Jaipur: In a bold strategic move ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League season, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) are set to appoint 24-year-old Riyan Parag as their new captain for Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.
The leadership change follows reports that long-time skipper Sanju Samson is close to sealing a trade move to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). In exchange, Rajasthan have secured two seasoned all-rounders — Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran — significantly strengthening the squad balance while opening the door for a leadership transition.
Leadership Experience and Performance
Parag is no stranger to captaincy. During the previous season, he led the side in eight matches when Samson was sidelined due to injury. Although the Royals managed just two wins in that stretch, Parag impressed with the bat, averaging 38.57. His career-best 95 against the Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens highlighted both his temperament and potential as a leader.
Sources indicate that head coach Kumar Sangakkara conducted interviews with multiple candidates before zeroing in on Parag. The franchise is reportedly keen on investing in young leadership, and Parag’s long-term association with the team worked strongly in his favor.
Transition Phase for the Franchise
The move comes after a disappointing 2025 campaign, where Rajasthan finished second from bottom with just four wins in 14 matches. Following the season, mentor Rahul Dravid parted ways with the franchise, marking a broader restructuring phase.
Parag, who made his IPL debut in 2019, has been a consistent member of the Royals squad. His breakthrough 2024 season saw him score 573 runs at an average of 52.09 and a strike rate of 149.21, establishing himself as a key batting pillar. Overall, he has featured in 84 matches for Rajasthan, scoring 1,566 runs and picking up seven wickets.
Squad Update
The revamped Royals squad includes Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Shubham Dubey, Yudhvir Singh, Sandeep Sharma, Tushar Deshpande, Shimron Hetmyer, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Jofra Archer, Kwena Maphaka, Nandre Burger, Ravindra Jadeja (traded from CSK), Sam Curran (traded from CSK), Donovan Ferreira (traded from Delhi), Ravi Bishnoi, Sushant Mishra, Yash Raj Poonia, Vignesh Puthur, Ravi Singh, Aman Rao, Brijesh Sharma, Adam Milne and Kuldeep Sen.
With a youthful captain at the helm and a restructured support staff, Rajasthan Royals are aiming for a fresh start and a renewed title push in IPL 2026.
