Riyan Parag named Rajasthan Royals captain ahead of IPL 2026

In a significant leadership move, Assam all-rounder Riyan Parag has been appointed captain of Rajasthan Royals for the upcoming IPL 2026 season , following Sanju Samson’s switch to Chennai Super Kings .

A product of the Royals system, 24-year-old Riyan has been with the franchise since IPL 2019 , making him one of the youngest captains in recent league history. Speaking about his new role, Riyan said, “Rajasthan Royals has been my home in the IPL since day one. This franchise has backed me, developed me, and pushed me to grow every season. To now lead this team is incredibly special, and it’s a responsibility I fully embrace. I’m excited to work alongside our coaches and leadership group to play fearless, smart cricket and make our fans proud.”

Riyan had a brief stint as stand-in captain last season, leading RR in eight matches while Samson was sidelined due to injury. Although the team managed just two wins during that period, Riyan impressed with the bat, scoring 393 runs in 14 innings at an average of 32.75, highlighted by a career-best 95 against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens.

Kumar Sangakkara , Rajasthan Royals Head Coach, expressed confidence in Riyan’s abilities: “Riyan has developed into a high-impact player and a strong presence in our group. He’s shown composure under pressure, a sharp cricketing mind, and a real understanding of how we want to play. Already as part of the player leadership group, he has the respect of the dressing room, and we’re confident he will thrive in this role.”

Across 84 IPL appearances , Parag has scored 1,566 runs at a strike rate of 141.84 , with his breakout season in 2024 producing 573 runs at 149.21 SR . Last season, his strike rate soared to 166.52, though he managed just 393 runs with a single fifty .

Manoj Badale , RR lead owner, added, “Riyan represents the kind of leadership we want to build at Rajasthan Royals - earned through character, growth, and performance. He understands this franchise deeply because he has lived its journey for years. We believe he is ready to lead with clarity, courage, and accountability, and we’re excited to see him take this step in IPL 2026.”

With Rahul Dravid’s departure as head coach last season, RR enters IPL 2026 with a new coaching group led by Kumar Sangakkara as Director of Cricket and Head Coach, supported by Vikram Rathour (lead assistant), Shane Bond (fast bowling), Trevor Penney (assistant), and Sid Lahiri (performance coach).

Rajasthan Royals fans will now look forward to seeing Riyan Parag lead the franchise with youthful energy and strategic acumen in the upcoming season.