IPL 2026: After the departure of wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), India youngster Riyan Parag is set to be announced as the next Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, as per ESPNcricinfo.

Samson was traded to CSK in exchange for two all-rounders, Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran.

The 24-year-old top-order batter has led RR before when Smason missed eight matches due to injuries. However, the outcome of those 8 matches did not go in Parag's favour as under his captaincy, his team only won two.

ALSO READ: Will Abhishek Sharma Be Fit For Blockbuster Pakistan Clash? Suryakumar Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy Provide Conflicting Updates

Parag was part of the group which had an interview with head coach Kumar Sangakkara before the franchise finalised him as the captain. After the official announcement, the inaugural IPL champions will head into the 2026 season with a new head coach and captain. In the 2025 season, Rajasthan finished second from bottom with just four wins from 14 games.

Parag made his IPL debut in 2019, and he has played all seven seasons for RR. His best season came in the 2024 edition, with his tally reaching 573, which he scored at an average of 52.09, while striking at 149.21.

Overall, he has featured in 84 matches for RR for 1566 runs and seven wickets.

After Samson ended his long and impressive 10-year stint at the Rajasthan Royals, Parag addressed the speculations about the challenges of leadership.

"I captained in seven to eight matches in the IPL last season. In the dressing room, when we would analyse decisions, I have done things right 80 to 85 per cent," Riyan Parag was quoted by Sportstar as saying.

ALSO READ: Karnataka Cabinet Approves IPL Return To Chinnaswamy Stadium With Stringent Safety Protocols After Fatal Stampede

"Manoj [Badale] sir has said the decision [on captaincy] will be taken after the auction. If I think about that now, I will ruin my mental space. If the team management feels I am the right fit for captaincy, I am ready to put my hand up. If they feel that, as a player, I can contribute more, I am ready for that also," he added.