Riyan Parag, the Rajasthan Royals’ young all-rounder, has been named the next captain of the IPL franchise. He left behind the likes of Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja in the race for the captaincy. Indian fans have found this to be a crap decision and have slammed the RR management for the same.
Sanju Samson, the Indian wicket-keeper batter, moved from the Rajasthan Royals to the Chennai Super Kings for a hefty trade after he was benched on several occasions in the last season in the Rajasthan Royals camp. Samson took over as the Royals’ skipper over the last few seasons and led them to their second final in the history of the IPL.
Sanju Samson was kept out due to injuries and sometimes due to several uncertainties in form. Every time he was sidelined, Riyan Parag stepped in as the captain of the Royals XI. He led them during the first and final half of the season.
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Riyan Parag picked as Rajasthan Royals captain over Yashasvi Jaiswal
Before the start of the IPL season, Rajasthan Royals had already traded out Sanju Samson to the Chennai Super Kings, and instead, the veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja was brought in alongside Sam Curran.
The Royals needed a new skipper, and on an honest front, they had many options in their squad. However, only the likes of Rajasthan Royals all-rounder Riyan Parag, Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja were considered for the captaincy role.
However, they had ignored the other probable options in young and dynamic wicket-keeper Dhruv Jurel and the English T20 veteran Sam Curran. Curran had led franchises all over the world on previous occasions, including his former IPL franchise, Punjab Kings.
However, leaving all behind in the race for captaincy, Riyan Parag was picked as the most ideal candidate for the upcoming season in the IPL.
Yashasvi Jaiswal vs Riyan Parag stats comparison in IPL
Assamese cricketer Riyan Parag was picked as an Under-19 stalwart by the Rajasthan Royals, who made his debut back in 2019, and the next year, in 2020, Yashasvi Jaiswal, another U-19 World Cup champ, was drafted into the side by the Royals.
Following their debuts, Riyan had a silent run for nearly 5 seasons when he averaged less than 20 on four occasions and had a strike rate hovering around 125. However, Jaiswal, he started off well in his second and third seasons but had a breakthrough in the fourth season of the IPL in 2023.
Parag got his best season under pressure in 2024 when he amassed 573 runs; however, Jaiswal was the highest scorer again in 2025 for the Royals. In 67 IPL matches, Jasiwal amassed 2166 runs and has a strike rate over 150, while Parag, in 84 games, could manage 1566 runs with a career strike rate of 141. Jaiswal also had four centuries for the Royals, while Parag is still in the quest for his first.
“Chacha ki team h to bna dete hain captain,” Yashasvi Jaiswal fans cry ‘Nepotism’ over Riyan Parag appointment
🚨🚨 Riyan Parag is going to be Rajasthan Royals new captain as per ESPN Cricinfo.
– Such a L decision man, you have one of Indian Cricket face Yashasvi Jaiswal in your team & you are making Riyan Parag captain. What Riyan Parag has done for RR in 6 years to earn captaincy over… pic.twitter.com/A1qeAQmaOE
— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) February 13, 2026
This one extra bid from Rajasthan Royals proving to be very costly for Yashasvi Jaiswal😔
Hope he leave Rajasthan Royals as soon as possible for his personal growth. pic.twitter.com/WuPPEHCCRJ
— कट्टर INDIA समर्थक 🦁🇮🇳 ™ (@KKRWeRule) February 13, 2026
This guy Yashasvi Jaiswal is an all format player for India but Rajasthan Royals decided to give captaincy to Riyan Parag who is nowhere near team India atm.
Yashasvi Jaiswal deserve IPL Captaincy.
Shame on Rajasthan Royals Management!!pic.twitter.com/yqsbPfdINj
— कट्टर INDIA समर्थक 🦁🇮🇳 ™ (@KKRWeRule) February 13, 2026
This cryptic Instagram post last year from Yashasvi Jaiswal was enough hint for Rajasthan Royals management of exactly what Yashasvi Jaiswal wanted and now he has been betrayed with Riyan Parag taking over RR Captaincy.
I don’t see Yashasvi Jaiswal continuing with Rajasthan… pic.twitter.com/sB0oSlVbvR
— कट्टर INDIA समर्थक 🦁🇮🇳 ™ (@KKRWeRule) February 13, 2026
Parag captain? Really? Jaiswal has more aura and achievements. RR wake up!
— V.K Cricket (@BlueArmyPulse) February 13, 2026
Not a good decision. Nepotism
Chacha ki team h to bna dete hain captain
— Manish Bhardwaj (@ByManishX) February 13, 2026
Jaiswal moving 100% to MI next year !!… Better to play under Surya or Hardik than show-off Parag !!
— just_for_fun (@just99920725) February 13, 2026
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