Riyan Parag ready to fight Yashasvi Jaiswal for Rajasthan Royals captaincy in IPL 2026
Published - 05 Dec 2025, 03:49 PM
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The Rajasthan Royals (RR) parted ways with their longtime captain Sanju Samson, trading the Indian wicketkeeper-batter to Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and brought a fresh brand to the camp by getting Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran for the IPL 2026.
However, the Rajasthan Royals still face the toughest task, as they are yet to select their captain after Sanju Samson’s departure. Last season, Riyan Parag led the 2008 IPL champions in 8 matches, winning 2 and losing 6 games. It was the Assam all-rounder’s debut season as the IPL captain.
Riyan Parag keeps lips tight amid Rajasthan Royals captaincy speculations
Interestingly, Parag is also currently leading his Assam cricket team in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025, where his own and the team’s performance both have been overwhelming. Adding to the twist, both Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel have desires to lead the RR in the league.
Even the Indian opener has many times declared that he wants to captain the Royals, while some reports suggested that the team management stopped Jurel from leaving the franchise on the leadership promise. Not just that, Ravindran Jadeja reportedly joined the RR for the captaincy that was even promised by the team management and owner.
Amidst the speculations and dilemma, Riyan Parag is staying relaxed, saying he is not thinking too much about the Rajasthan Royals' captaincy right now. Parag was quoted as saying by Sportstar, “I captained in seven to eight matches in the IPL last season. In the dressing room, when we would analyze decisions, I have done things right 80 to 85 percent.”
RR to take a decision on captaincy after IPL 2026 auction
Parag also revealed that Rajasthan Royals’ owner Manoj Badale has told the team that a final decision on the captain will be made only after the IPL 2026 auction on December 16 in Abu Dhabi. However, the all-rounder has not denied the opportunity if he is offered by the team.
The Assam star further noted, “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.”
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Captaincy is not easy: Riyan Parag
Parag also shared that captaincy is not as simple as it looks, having led the Rajasthan Royals last season. Apart from making decisions on the field, a captain needs to attend several meetings, handle sponsor duties, and face the media regularly.
He signed off by saying, “Everyone has the misconception that captaincy is easy. Yes, there is an element of fame in captaincy, but it reduces the element of cricket to 20 percent. You have to attend all the meetings, attend sponsor shoots, and answer the media. I need to develop these things as a person.”
On the other hand, Sanju Samson is all set to play only as a player for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL 2026, and Ruturaj Gaikwad will return as their captain after missing the majority of the season earlier this year. In Gaikwad’s absence, MS Dhoni led CSK in the IPL 2025.
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