Big news for IPL fans! Rajasthan Royals have made a bold and exciting choice — Riyan Parag is the new captain for the 2026 season. At just 24, this homegrown talent steps into one of the biggest leadership roles in the league after a major team shake-up.
The biggest change? Long-time skipper Sanju Samson has moved to Chennai Super Kings. In return, RR got star all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. With Samson gone, the Royals turned to their longest-serving player — Riyan Parag — who has been with the team since his IPL debut in 2019.
Head coach Kumar Sangakkara and the management clearly trust him. Parag already led the side in eight matches last season when Samson was injured. Now he gets the full-time job to lead a “Royals Revolution.”
Why Riyan Parag Deserves the Captaincy
Despite a tough 2025 where RR finished near the bottom, Parag’s personal game kept shining. He bats aggressively in the top and middle order and bowls handy off-spin. Fans love his fearless style — and the team sees him as the perfect leader for the future.
Riyan Parag IPL Career Stats (2019–2025)
| Metric | Overall Career | 2024 Peak Season | 2025 Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matches | 84 | 16 | 14 |
| Runs | 1,566 | 573 | 393 |
| Strike Rate | 141.85 | 149.22 | 166.53 |
| Average | 26.10 | 52.09 | 32.75 |
| Highest Score | 95 | 84* | 95 |
| Wickets | 7 | 0 | 3 |
| Catches | 45 | 7 | 8 |
Riyan Parag became the youngest player ever to score an IPL fifty. In 2024 he finished as the third-highest run-scorer in the league. In 2025 his strike rate jumped to 166.53 — showing he’s ready for big moments.
This is a fresh start for RR. With Jadeja and Curran joining, Parag’s smart tactics could make them strong contenders again.
What do you think — will Riyan Parag take Rajasthan Royals to the title in 2026? Share your thoughts below!
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