Young all-rounder Riyan Parag has been named captain of Rajasthan Royals for the 2026 Indian Premier League season, the franchise announced Friday, February 13, 2026. The appointment comes after a major trade with Chennai Super Kings that saw former skipper Sanju Samson leave Rajasthan in exchange for all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran.
Parag has prior leadership experience with the Royals. He captained the team in eight matches in 2025 when Samson faced fitness issues, averaging 38.57 with a career-best 95 against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens. Rajasthan won two of those eight matches under his captaincy.
Samson’s departure ends an 11-year stint with the Royals, during which he led the team to multiple playoff appearances, including a run to the final in 2022. Parag will replace Sanju Samson, who was traded to Chennai Super Kings after 11 seasons with the Royals.
