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Riyan Parag Named Rajasthan Royals Captain After Sanju Samson's CSK Trade

Riyan Parag has been named the new captain of the Rajasthan Royals for the IPL 2026 season. This major leadership change follows the trade of former captain Sanju Samson to the Chennai Super Kings in exchange for all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. Parag, who briefly captained the side in 2024, now takes on the role permanently despite a mixed record in his interim stint. Samson leaves as the franchise's most successful captain, having led them to two playoff appearances and the 2022 final.

Key Points: Riyan Parag Appointed Rajasthan Royals Captain for IPL 2026

  • Parag appointed RR captain for IPL 2026
  • Sanju Samson traded to Chennai Super Kings
  • CSK sends Jadeja and Curran to RR
  • Parag was youngest RR captain in 2024
  • Samson is RR's most successful skipper
2 min read

IPL 2026: Riyan Parag named Rajasthan Royals new captain following Sanju Samson's trade to CSK

Riyan Parag becomes RR's new captain after Sanju Samson is traded to CSK for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. Details on the leadership change.

"Parag stepped in as captain... however, under his leadership, RR only managed to win two matches. - Report"

Jaipur, February 13

Riyan Parag has been appointed as the next captain for the Rajasthan Royals ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 on Friday.

This development comes after former RR skipper Sanju Samson was traded to five-time IPL winners Chennai Super Kings (CSK), in exchange for two all-rounders, Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran.

Last year, when Samson missed eight games due to injuries, Parag stepped in as captain, however, under his leadership, RR only managed to win two matches.

Parag has played all seven seasons for RR. He got to play all their games in the previous two seasons. The 2024 edition was his best in terms of his run tally as he slammed 573, which he made at an average of 52.09, while striking at 149.21. Overall, he has played 84 matches for RR, scoring 1566 runs and taking 7 wickets.

When Parag, 23, RR against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for their season opener in Hyderabad on March 23 last year, he became the youngest Rajasthan Royals captain and the fifth-youngest in IPL history. Steve Smith was 24 when he captained the Royals for the first time.

Samson is the most successful skipper for RR in terms of winning matches. He led RR in 67 matches, winning 33 and losing 32. In 2024, he went past Shane Warne's record of leading the Royals in the most matches. Samson was also the only Royals captain to have led the team into two playoffs in the IPL.

In IPL 2022, Sanju steered Rajasthan Royals to their first final since 2008. The team finished second in the table with nine wins out of 14, but fell short in the summit clash against the Gujarat Titans.

The Royals reached the playoffs for the second time under Samson in IPL 2024, finishing third in the points table with 17 points.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As a Royals fan from Jaipur, I'm heartbroken to see Sanju go. He was the face of the franchise. Wishing him all the best at CSK though. Riyan has the potential, but he needs to step up massively. The pressure is on!
D
David E
Interesting trade from a neutral perspective. CSK gets a proven Indian captain and wicketkeeper-batsman. RR gets two world-class all-rounders to strengthen their middle order and bowling. It's a high-risk, high-reward strategy for the Royals.
V
Vikram M
Respectfully, I think this is a mistake. Sanju Samson brought stability. Riyan Parag is a match-winner with the bat, but captaincy requires a cool head. His 2 wins in 8 games last season is a worrying stat. Hope the experienced players in the squad support him.
S
Sarah B
Investing in youth! Parag is only 23 and has been with RR since the start. He knows the system. Give him a proper season with a full-strength squad before judging. Samson's trade brings in much-needed all-round depth. Bold move 💪
R
Rohit P
Sanju bhai to CSK? End of an era. But business is business. Jadeja returning to RR is poetic! And Sam Curran is a brilliant addition. If Riyan can focus on his batting and let seniors like Ashwin guide on-field tactics, we can still do well. #HallaBol

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