Riyan Parag’s future role at Rajasthan Royals is still not clear as the team goes through a major leadership change before IPL 2026. With long-time captain Sanju Samson moving to Chennai Super Kings before the retention deadline, talks about who will be the next captain have grown stronger. However, Parag has chosen to stay silent and not react to the rumours.

His experience with Assam, where he has led the team in domestic white-ball tournaments, gives him a good base in leadership. He also captained Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025 when Samson was injured. Parag led the team in eight matches, managing a squad that included players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shimron Hetmyer, and Wanindu Hasaranga. These matches gave him an early idea of the pressure that comes with the captain’s role.

“I captained in seven to eight matches in the IPL last season. In the dressing room, when we discussed decisions, I felt I made the right calls 80 to 85 per cent of the time,” Parag told Sportstar.

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Rajasthan Royals Yet to Decide Their New Captain

Team owner Manoj Badale’s view has also shaped Parag’s thinking. The Royals will choose their next captain only after the December 16 auction in Abu Dhabi, leaving all internal options on wait. Parag has taken a simple and practical approach to this.

“Manoj Badale sir has said the captaincy decision will be taken after the auction. If I think about it now, it will disturb my mind. If the team feels I am the right choice, I am ready to take the role. If they feel I should focus only as a player, I am ready for that too,” Parag said.

Parag also understands that being a captain in a big IPL team comes with many off-field responsibilities.

“People think captaincy is easy. Yes, it brings fame, but it reduces cricket to only 20 per cent. You have to attend meetings, sponsor shoots, and talk to the media. I need to improve these things as a person,” he added.

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Will Ravindra Jadeja Lead RR in IPL 2026?

Ravindra Jadeja, who recently joined the team, is also in the race for the captaincy. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel are other names being discussed. But the Royals’ auction strategy, where they avoided an expensive Indian signing, suggests their next captain may come from within the current squad.