Riyan Parag has been one of the standout batters for Rajasthan Royals over the past few years. The young talent is now poised to be named the full-time captain of Rajasthan Royals (RR) ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. According to sources close to the situation, Khel Now reports that the franchise plans to make a leadership change amid Sanju Samson’s expected move to Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
Sanju Samson, who has led RR since 2021, is on the verge of leaving the team. The five-time IPL champions CSK are eager to acquire the wicketkeeper-batter through a trade. If that doesn’t materialize, Samson will enter the mini-auction, where Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and CSK are expected to compete for him.
With Samson likely to depart, Riyan Parag is set to take over as the full-time captain. The franchise also aims to build a long-term relationship with the Assam-based batting all-rounder. Parag has consistently delivered strong performances with the bat in recent seasons, while also contributing with his bowling.
A source close to the matter said, “Rajasthan Royals will be appointing Parag as full-time captain. The franchise is looking for a long-term association with the all-rounder.” On Sanju Samson, the source added, “Chennai Super Kings are looking to trade Sanju Samson ahead of IPL 2026. If the trade doesn’t go through and he enters the auction, CSK and KKR will fiercely compete for him.”
Riyan Parag stepped in as captain of the Rajasthan Royals during IPL 2025 in the absence of Sanju Samson.
Riyan Parag led the team for a significant part of the season, initially taking charge when Samson was sidelined with a finger injury in the early matches. Later in the mid-season, when Samson suffered a hamstring injury, Parag once again took the helm.
As captain, Riyan Parag demonstrated solid composure, even though he couldn’t guide the Royals to a championship. He led by example with the bat, scoring 393 runs at an impressive strike rate of over 166, including a standout innings of 95 against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
If Riyan Parag is appointed full-time captain, it will mark the start of a new chapter for Rajasthan Royals. Sanju Samson has long been the face of the franchise, and with his expected departure, Parag will carry a heavy mantle moving forward.
Riyan Parag will be eager to turn the team’s fortunes around and chase their second IPL title — their first and only championship came in the very first edition of the tournament back in 2008.