With Sanju Samson now a part of Chennai Super Kings’ camp, Rajasthan Royals are on a quest to find the next skipper ahead of IPL 2026.
One of the strong contenders for the leadership role is Riyan Parag, who stepped into captaincy shoes for eight matches in IPL 2025 during Samson’s absence.
Talking about taking the leadership role, Parag said he feels better prepared after gaining exposure both in the IPL and as Assam’s skipper in domestic circuit.
Speaking to Sportstar, the 24-year-old Assam cricketer acknowledged that he has made steady progress as a leader, claiming his decision-making accuracy in IPL games was “80 to 85%.”
Parag further added that co-owner Manoj Badale has indicated that a decision will be taken after the auction.
Riyan stressed that captaincy “is not easy,” noting the responsibilities extend far beyond on-field tactics — from sponsor commitments to constant media presence.
With RR acquiring Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran in the Samson trade, and Parag coming off a stellar season where he scored 393 runs at a strike rate of 166.52 and took key wickets, the young all-rounder is positioning himself as a serious candidate to take charge of the Royals in 2026.
