Riyan Parag Takes Over Royals Captaincy For IPL 2026

In a major development before IPL 2026 season, young all rounder Riyan Parag is set to become the new captain of Rajasthan Royals. The decision comes after long time skipper Sanju Samson moved to Chennai Super Kings in a high profile trade. It is clearly a bold step by the franchise and shows how much trust they are putting in Parag.

At just 24, Parag has already shown glimpses of leadership qualities. He had earlier led the side in the 2025 season when Samson was unavailable due to injury. The team results were not very impressive at that time, winning only two matches in eight, but Parag personally performed well with the bat and handled media pressure calmly. One of his standout innings was a powerful 95 which proved he can take responsibility when required.

The management reportedly considered a few senior players too, but eventually they believed Parag represents the future vision of the team. The Royals are looking to rebuild after a disappointing campaign last year, and a young captain could bring fresh energy into the dressing room.

Fans reaction are mixed. Some supporters are excited to see a new face leading the side, while others question whether he is fully ready to handle such a huge responsibility in a competitive tournament like IPL. Captaincy in IPL is not just about tactics, it also demands emotional strength and consistency over many weeks.

Still, this appointment marks an important turning point in Parag’s career. From being seen as a promising youngster to now leading a franchise, his journey has been interesting. Now all eyes will be on how he guides Rajasthan Royals in the upcoming season and whether this gamble pays off.