Rajasthan Royals internal fight intensifies after Ravindra Jadeja purchase, 2 players issue open threat

Rajasthan Royals (RR) are all set to face the biggest dilemma in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). They have brought back Ravindra Jadeja into the side, but this addition will only increase their issues in the upcoming IPL 2026.

It is being said that Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals (DC) had almost finalised the trade deal, but it was Ravindra Jadeja who initiated the trade talks after having multiple discussions with the lead owner, Manoj Badale.

The Delhi Capitals were reportedly ready to part ways with Tristan Stubbs and Sameer Rizvi to bring Sanju Samson back on the board.

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Rajasthan Royals face captaincy chaos after Ravindra Jadeja’s blockbuster return

At that time, Jadeja stepped in and expressed his desire to become the Rajasthan Royals captain, and on this condition, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK)-RR deal was finalised. The Chennai Super Kings was asked by the Indian all-rounder to reinitiate the trade talks with RR following Badale’s promise.

Read Also: CSK, RCB fight immensely for 2 Mumbai Indians’ players, clash erupts

And then, CSK sent Jadeja along with Sam Curran to the Royals and got Samson in the much-hyped trade. Interestingly, the left-arm spinner joined the RR at INR 14 crore—INR 4 crores less than his contract with the CSK—and he accepted that because of the captaincy promise.

Now, the main issue is that Rajasthan opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel have also expressed their desire to lead the franchise. Lastly, Jaiswal has already informed the Royals that he wants to captain the side in the tournament, but Riyan Parag was named the skipper when Sanju Samson was recovering from an injury.

Yashasvi Jaiswal vs Dhruv Jurel vs Riyan Parag vs Ravindra Jadeja: Rajasthan Royals set for captaincy battle

After this season, Jurel had also expressed interest in RR’s captaincy. He already led Central Zone in the 2025 Duleep Trophy and India in the 2020 U-19 World Cup and 2019 U-19 Asia Cup. Jurel was also India-A's vice-captain during Australia's tour for the red-ball games.

Journalist Rohit Juglan revealed that Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel’s names have been discussed for the RR’s captaincy, and even the Indian opener has openly told the team management that he wants to lead the franchise in the IPL 2026, creating a fresh headache for the side.

Several times, Jaiswal admitted that he wants to lead the Royals in the IPL, and Jurel has already been groomed as the future captain by India, while Riyan Parag already leads the side. So, it will be interesting to see how the RR team management keeps all on the same page, as they have already promised captaincy to Jadeja.

Read Also: Matheesha Pathirana gets immediate buyer after being released by CSK

Power struggle at RR could lead to IPL 2026 disaster

In IPL 2025, Parag was made captain against Samson’s wish, and the rift inside the team was clearly seen both on and off the field. That move divided the Royals, and they endured another poor season.

So, it won’t be wrong to say the same drama could happen again if the team management fails to satisfy these players’ egos.

While Yashasvi is desperate for the captaincy, Jadeja wants to fulfil his desire to finish his IPL journey as captain, and Parag is also ready to jump in for the opportunity.

Rajasthan Royals’ every step will decide their fate in the IPL 2026, as keeping everyone on the same page is going to be really tough for them.