In a move that signals a fresh direction for the franchise, Riyan Parag has been appointed captain of the Rajasthan Royals ahead of the IPL 2026 season. The decision comes after Sanju Samson completed a high-profile switch to the Chennai Super Kings, bringing an end to his long leadership stint in Jaipur.
The announcement has stirred widespread reactions across social media platforms, with fans expressing everything from excitement and pride to skepticism and concern. For the Royals, however, the message is clear: the future will be built around youth, continuity and belief in homegrown talent.
From teenage prodigy to franchise leader: Riyan Parag’s journey
Parag’s journey with the Royals began in 2019 when he debuted as one of the youngest players in the tournament. Seven seasons later, he steps into the captaincy role having featured in 84 IPL matches and accumulated 1,566 runs at a healthy strike rate of 141.84.
His breakthrough campaign came in 2024, when he piled up 573 runs at a strike rate touching 149.21, transforming himself from a promising finisher into a reliable top-order force. Though his aggregate dipped to 393 runs last season, he maintained an explosive strike rate of 166.52, showcasing his evolving range and maturity as a batter.
Parag also had a brief taste of leadership last year when Samson was sidelined due to injury. He led the side in eight matches, managing two wins and six defeats as the Royals finished ninth. While the results did not tilt in their favour, Parag impressed individually, averaging 38.57 during that stretch, including a memorable 95 against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens.
Leadership reset with Kumar Sangakkara at the helm
IPL 2026 will also mark a significant shift off the field. With Rahul Dravid stepping away from the head coach role after the 2025 season, the Royals will enter a new chapter under Kumar Sangakkara, who takes charge as head coach.
The Parag-Sangakkara partnership is expected to blend youthful aggression with strategic experience. Sangakkara’s calm leadership style and tactical acumen could prove crucial in shaping Parag’s growth as captain.
Also READ: Delhi Capitals rope in England legend as assistant coach ahead of IPL 2026
Here’s how fans reacted:
Set to lead a 𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙚𝙧𝙖 in pink 🩷@rajasthanroyals fans, welcome your captain Riyan Parag 👏#TATAIPL | @ParagRiyan pic.twitter.com/eTUnc4rWn1
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) February 13, 2026
Set to lead a 𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙚𝙧𝙖 in pink 🩷
The Rajasthan Royals appoint Riyan Parag as their new captain 👏
A fresh chapter. A bold vision. The future starts now. 💗#TATAIPL | #ParagRiyan | #IPL2026 pic.twitter.com/EQZzwVGIhY
— Arshy (@imArshit) February 13, 2026
Go well captain riyan parag 💗🔒 be yourself and need a 2024 kinda season from you with the bat ✌🏻
See u in mid March 🔪pic.twitter.com/AOTgoW5OCM— . (@kadaipaneer_) February 13, 2026
Ryan Parag appointed Rajasthan Royal’s Captain for IPL 2026.#IPL2026pic.twitter.com/AaWyXjoyEI
— Kashif (@KashifNdmCric) February 13, 2026
RCB fan Riyan Parag is now RR Captain 👏 pic.twitter.com/4dvd7OkG6K
— RCBIANS OFFICIAL (@RcbianOfficial) February 13, 2026
Rajasthan Royals announced Riyan Parag as their new #IPL Captain.pic.twitter.com/zMiDYlgczI
— 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐌𝐀𝐒 𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐁𝐘 (@thomas__huji) February 13, 2026
THE RIYAN PARAG ERA IS HERE. 🔥🩷
The Rajasthan Royals have appointed Riyan Parag as their new captain ✌🏼#teamindia #t20worldcup #bharatarmy #coti🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/kvv1CZAfvR
— The Bharat Army (@thebharatarmy) February 13, 2026
🚨 PARAG THE NEW RR CAPTAIN. 🚨
– Riyan Parag set to be named as the new captain of Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. (Espncricinfo). pic.twitter.com/mi2y7MtfwG
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 13, 2026
🚨 MEET THE NEW CAPTAIN OF RAJASTHAN ROYALS 🚨
– Riyan Parag has been named the new captain of Rajasthan Royals 🩷
2026 = Riyan Parag
2021-25 = Sanju Samson
2019-20 = Smith
2018-19 = Ajinkya
2014-15 = Smith
2012-13 = Rahul Dravid
2008-11 = Shane Warne pic.twitter.com/K0UXmxmPB1— Richard Kettleborough (@RichKettle07) February 13, 2026
Riyan Parag – the captain of @rajasthanroyals pic.twitter.com/YiV5E9QTOI
— Cricketopia (@CricketopiaCom) February 13, 2026
Riyan is the perfect choice for RR captain because he stays so composed.
I’m looking forward to him leading the team with the same fire and skill as Ricky Ponting.
Good luck @ParagRiyan https://t.co/QxEgnpv06R— Hitman 🗿 (@Hitman_views) February 13, 2026
Captain Riyan Parag.. sounds unreal.
Assam’s boy leading an IPL franchise.Another proof that big dreams can rise from anywhere. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/q2zwslP88d
— 𝐒 𝐰 𝐚 𝐫 𝐚˚.✦ (@SwaraMSDian) February 13, 2026
Also READ: EXPLAINED: Why Mumbai Indians blocks RCB’s request to host IPL 2026 games at DY Patil Stadium?
