Riyan Parag Emerges as Surprise Front-Runner for Rajasthan Royals Captaincy After Samson Exit

Riyan Parag has emerged as the frontrunner to succeed Sanju Samson as Rajasthan Royals captain for IPL 2026, with the 24-year-old confirming he is ready to take on the leadership role if the franchise management deems him fit. Speaking to Sportstar, the Assam skipper—who led RR in eight matches last season during Samson’s injury absences—said the final decision will be made post-auction by co-owner Manoj Badale.

“I captained in seven to eight matches last IPL, and in the dressing room, when we analysed decisions, I got it right 80-85 per cent of the time,” Parag said, adding that he does not want to overthink the captaincy question ahead of the mega auction. “If the team feels I’m the right fit, I’m ready to put my hand up. If they feel I can contribute more as a player, I’m ready for that too.”

Parag, who has been leading Assam across formats, including the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, acknowledged the demands of IPL captaincy go far beyond on-field tactics. “Everyone thinks captaincy is easy. There’s fame, but cricket becomes only 20 per cent of your job—meetings, sponsor shoots, and media duties. I need to develop these aspects as a person,” he admitted.

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Samson’s high-profile move to Chennai Super Kings in a blockbuster trade that also brought Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to Jaipur has created the vacancy. Parag, retained by RR for ₹14 crore ahead of the auction, finished as the franchise’s second-highest run-scorer last season with 393 runs at a strike rate of 166.52, including a blistering 45-ball 95 against KKR.

With the mega auction looming later this month, Parag is focused on staying mentally clear rather than lobbying for the role. “If I think about captaincy now, I’ll ruin my mental space,” he said, leaving the decision entirely to the franchise think-tank led by Kumar Sangakkara and the ownership group.

Should Parag get the nod, he would become one of the youngest full-time IPL captains, following in the footsteps of Sanju Samson and continuing Rajasthan Royals’ tradition of backing youth leadership that delivered their inaugural title under Shane Warne in 2008.

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