9 months ago
Riyan Parag Eyes Rajasthan Royals Captaincy Ahead of IPL 2026
Sanju Samson, who was the captain of the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has moved to another team, CSK.
This means the Royals need a new captain for the next season, IPL 2026.
Riyan Parag, who has led the team in some matches before, says he is ready to take on the captaincy role if the team management thinks he is the right fit.
He has also been leading his state team, Assam, in a domestic cricket tournament.
Other players like Yashavi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel are also being considered for the captaincy.
Additionally, Ravindra Jadeja, a famous all-rounder, has joined the Royals from CSK, taking a pay cut to do so.
Sanju Samson's move to CSK leaves a leadership vacuum at Rajasthan Royals.
Riyan Parag has been in the leadership conversation and led RR in 7-8 matches in IPL 2025.
Parag is currently leading Assam in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
RR retained Parag, Yashavi Jaiswal, and Dhruv Jurel, with the latter two also in contention for captaincy.
Ravindra Jadeja has joined RR from CSK, taking a pay cut to INR 14 crore.
- Who
- Riyan Parag, Sanju Samson, Rajasthan Royals, Ravindra Jadeja
- What
- Potential change in captaincy for Rajasthan Royals ahead of IPL 2026
- Where
- Rajasthan Royals franchise, Indian Premier League
- When
- After IPL 2025 season and ahead of IPL 2026
- Why
- Sanju Samson's move to CSK has created a leadership vacuum
Key facts
- Current Captain
- Sanju Samson
- Potential Successor
- Riyan Parag
- Other Contenders
- Yashavi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel
- Riyan Parag's IPL 2025 Matches Led
- 7-8
- Ravindra Jadeja's New Team
- Rajasthan Royals
- Jadeja's Revised Fee
- INR 14 crore
- Domestic Leadership Role
- Assam in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy
Quotes
Riyan Parag
Riyan Parag is an Indian cricketer and current vice-captain of the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League. He is also leading the Assam team in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
“I captained in seven to eight matches in the IPL last season. In the dressing room, when we would analyse decisions, I have done things right 80 to 85 per cent.”
republicworld.com
“Manoj [Badale] sir has said the decision [on captaincy] will be taken after the auction. If I think about that now, I will ruin my mental space. If the team management feels I am the right fit for captaincy, I am ready to put my hand up. If they feel that, as a player, I can contribute more, I am ready for that also.”
republicworld.com
