Riyan Parag Appointed Rajasthan Royals Captain for IPL 2026

Riyan Parag has been named captain of the Rajasthan Royals (RR) for the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign. The 24-year-old all-round player, who previously captained the Royals in eight games during the 2025 season while regular captain Sanju Samson was injured, offers invaluable leadership experience at both the domestic and franchise levels.

In a statement issued by RR, Parag 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."

On February 13, RR formally announced Parag's appointment. The recently appointed captain stated in a recorded message released by the squad that head coach Kumar Sangakkara and team owner Manoj Badale told him of the decision prior to a T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up match against the United States.

Riyan Parah in IPL 2026:

NEW ERA FOR THE ROYALS! 💗

Riyan Parag is set to be named the new CAPTAIN of Rajasthan Royals for IPL 2026! -[ESPN Cricinfo]#RajastanRoyals#IPL2026#RiyanParagpic.twitter.com/4W1gsnLkol

— Boundary Bro (@BoundaryBro) February 13, 2026

Riyan played well with the bat, accumulating 393 runs in 14 innings at an average of 32.75 (per the official IPL website), highlighted by a career-best 95 against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens, despite RR managing just two victories during that phase and ultimately finishing ninth.

In order to obtain the full-time leadership position, Parag defeated competitors including Ravindra Jadeja and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Following Sanju Samson's off-season trade to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) before the auction, the Royals needed a new captain. In the eight games he played as RR's stand-in captain in 2025, Parag led the team to two wins.

The Royals will try to snap their protracted title drought and add a second trophy to their collection as the IPL 2026 season draws near. Under the guidance of the renowned Shane Warne, they achieved their lone IPL victory during the inaugural 2008 season.

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