Rajasthan Royals have confirmed 24-year-old all-rounder Riyan Parag as their new captain for IPL 2026, marking a significant leadership transition following Sanju Samson’s departure to Chennai Super Kings. The appointment signals a bold new direction for the franchise as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season.
Parag’s elevation comes after Samson’s blockbuster trade to CSK, which brought all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to Rajasthan. Samson, who spent 11 seasons with RR, had expressed his desire for a fresh challenge after the team finished second from bottom with just four wins from 14 matches last season.
The young captain isn’t entirely new to leadership responsibilities. Parag previously captained RR in eight matches during Samson’s injury absence in 2025, winning two games while posting a personal average of 38.57. His standout performance included a career-best 95 against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens, demonstrating his composure under pressure.
Head coach Kumar Sangakkara reportedly interviewed multiple candidates before finalizing Parag, recognizing the all-rounder’s potential and tactical acumen. Since his IPL debut in 2019, Parag has been a loyal RR servant, playing all seven seasons for the franchise. His breakthrough came in 2024, when he amassed 573 runs at an average of 52.09 with a strike rate of 149.21, establishing himself as a key middle-order contributor.
The captaincy appointment comes at a transformative time for Rajasthan Royals, who are also adjusting to life without former head coach Rahul Dravid. With Sangakkara guiding from the dugout and Parag leading on the field, RR are banking on youth and fresh perspectives to revitalize their fortunes.
Parag has expressed confidence in his readiness for the role, having consistently aligned with correct tactical decisions during team discussions. As IPL 2026 approaches, all eyes will be on how this young leader steers Rajasthan’s resurgence.
