Riyan Parag to be New RR Captain? Star All-rounder Breaks Silence

As the Rajasthan Royals (RR) prepare for the IPL 2026 season, a significant leadership change is underway, with Sanju Samson leaving the team to join the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The franchise is seeking to appoint a new captain following the high-profile trade that saw their long-time captain Samson swapped with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran.

Meanwhile, there are several high-profile and emerging names in the race for the Rajasthan Royals' new captain, including Riyan Parag, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Ravindra Jadeja. Being one of the best batsmen in IPL, Parag was retained by RR along with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel, who have reportedly been considered to become the new RR captain for the upcoming season. However, the Rajasthan Royals are in a transition phase, and Riyan Parag's future position with the franchise remains unclear.

Who Will Be the New RR Captain?

All-rounder Riyan Parag discussed his desire to become new Rajasthan Royals captain in the next season in an interview with Sportstar. “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,” he told Sportstar.

Parag stated that team owner Manoj Badale had stated that the decision of Rajasthan Royals new captain will be taken during the auction, which is set for December 16 in Abu Dhabi, and that he is not currently overanalysing the possible obligation.

"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,” he said.

Riyan Parag RR captaincy experience is limited. In IPL 2025, when Samson was unable to play, Parag led the team. In domestic cricket, he has been in charge of Assam, which is currently playing in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. As of now, Parag is also aware that being the captain of a big team comes with many responsibilities off the field.

Ravindra Jadeja to Lead Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026?

The highlight of the IPL retention window was the trade of Ravindra Jadeja to the Royals. All-rounder will wear pink next season, but has taken a pay cut to make the move. Being one of the best all-rounders in IPL and due to his significant experience, Jadeja is a suitable candidate to become RR new captain for IPL 2026. While Jadeja has led Chennai Super Kings in the past, he hasn't stated anything on RR's captaincy.

However, Rajasthan Royals are unlikely to spend a lot of money on a local player during the auction; thus, purchasing a captain is out of the question. Accordingly, their auction strategy, which avoided a high-priced Indian signing, suggests that their next captain will come from among the current crop of players.