The IPL 2026 rumor mill has erupted with news that Rajasthan Royals (RR) are preparing a colossal ₹50 crore budget war chest to sign either Ben Stokes or Mitchell Starc, in what could become the most intense overseas bidding battle in IPL history!
According to top franchise sources, RR’s think tank is split right down the middle: one camp wants to secure Ben Stokes, the mercurial all-rounder who has previously lit up the IPL and can single-handedly win games with both bat and ball; the other faction is pushing hard for Mitchell Starc, the world’s most feared left-arm pacer, who could transform Rajasthan’s attack into an unstoppable force.
A senior IPL insider revealed:
“Rajasthan knows it needs a world-class overseas match-winner to compete for the title. They’re willing to spend a record sum, but the debate over Stokes vs Starc is creating big tension in their camp.”
Ben Stokes, who stunned IPL fans with his heroics for RR in 2017 and has led England to multiple titles, has already hinted he might return to the IPL full-time in 2026 if his workload allows. Meanwhile, Mitchell Starc, who has long avoided the IPL due to international commitments, has reportedly shown interest in making a comeback for the mega auction — a move that could ignite a multi-team bidding war.
Social media is ablaze with speculation, with hashtags like #StokesOrStarc, #RRBudgetBattle, and #IPL2026 trending as fans argue who would make the better signing. RR supporters are torn: some dream of Stokes providing middle-order fireworks and clutch finishes, while others salivate at the prospect of Starc’s thunderbolts rattling opposition batters at Jaipur’s Sawai Mansingh Stadium.
Former IPL winner Shane Watson added fuel to the fire, telling a cricket podcast:
“Either player could take RR from contenders to champions. But ₹50 crore on one star is a massive risk — they need to choose wisely.”
Experts predict that if RR go through with the ₹50 crore plan, it would eclipse every previous IPL contract, more than doubling Sam Curran’s ₹24.75 crore record from IPL 2023 and redefining auction strategies across the league.
As the IPL 2026 auction countdown begins, one question looms: Will Rajasthan Royals break the bank for Stokes’ all-round brilliance or Starc’s searing pace — and will it finally end their long wait for a second IPL title?