Riyan Parag has been officially appointed as the new captain of the Rajasthan Royals for the upcoming IPL 2026 season. The 24 year old all-rounder, who has been with the franchise since 2019, becomes the seventh captain in the team’s history.
This leadership change follows long time skipper Sanju Samson’s departure in one of the most significant trades in IPL history.
Major Trade Reshapes Both Teams
The blockbuster deal between Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings involved three key players. Sanju Samson moved to CSK with his existing fee of ₹18 crore. In return, Ravindra Jadeja rejoined Rajasthan Royals with a revised fee of ₹14 crore. Sam Curran also made the switch to RR from CSK for ₹2.4 crore. This exchange has significantly transformed both squads ahead of the 2026 season.
Why Parag Was Chosen
Rajasthan Royals selected Parag after a structured evaluation process led by head coach Kumar Sangakkara. Several factors influenced the decision. Parag captained RR in eight matches during the 2025 season when Samson was injured, gaining valuable leadership experience. He enjoyed a breakthrough 2024 season, scoring 573 runs at an average of 52.09. Team management also highlighted his deep understanding of RR’s culture as a major factor in their choice.
Key Player Statistics After the Trade
Sanju Samson brings 4,704 IPL runs in 172 innings to CSK. Ravindra Jadeja returns to RR with 170 wickets and 3,260 runs to his name. Sam Curran joins the squad with 59 wickets and 997 runs. Riyan Parag, now leading the side, has scored 1,566 runs in 72 innings. These numbers reflect the balance of experience and youth in Rajasthan’s new lineup.
Coaching Change at Rajasthan Royals
RR will also see a change in coaching leadership. Former head coach Rahul Dravid stepped down after the 2025 season. Kumar Sangakkara will now lead the support staff as Director of Cricket and Head Coach.
A New Era Begins
Riyan Parag’s appointment marks the beginning of a fresh chapter for Rajasthan Royals. With new leadership, significant player transfers, and a revised coaching structure, RR will aim to make a strong impact in IPL 2026.