Riyan Parag named Rajasthan Royals captain : A youth of exuberance from the Royals.

In a surprising move, the Rajasthan royals have decided to name Riyan Parag as the captain of the Rajasthan  Royals for the IPL 2026. With Sanju Samson transferred to the Chennai Super Kings and Yashasvi Jaiswal too young for the role, it was imperative that Parag was the lead contender for the post. 

Parag, who made his IPL debut in 2019, has spent all seven of his seasons with the Royals. He briefly led the side in eight matches last year when Samson was sidelined by injury, managing two wins and six losses as the team finished ninth. While the stint proved challenging, Parag impressed with the bat, averaging 38.57 in those games, including a career-best 95 against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens.

566 runs at a strike rate of 141.84 with a standout campaign coming in 2024, when he amassed 573 runs at a strike rate of 149.21 are some of Parag’s numbers. He has been one of the superstars of the IPL and an additional responsibility of captain will be entrusted upon him as both the Royals’ management and the fans will expect fireworks from him. 

With Rahul Dravid also departing as head coach after the 2025 season, the Royals will head into IPL 2026 with a new leadership pairing, as Kumar Sangakkara takes charge alongside Parag in what promises to be a fresh chapter for the franchise.