Reports: Two players in contention to become next Rajasthan Royals captain, Riyan Parag not in race

Sanju Samson is all set to leave Rajasthan Royals (RR) ahead of the IPL 2026 mini auction. As per reports, the Kerala wicketkeeper-batter could be traded to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in exchange for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran.

Samson has been leading the Royals since 2021. With his departure, the inaugural champions will need to appoint a new captain, who could carry their rich legacy.

Riyan Parag led the Royals in eight games in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL). He captained the side in the first three matches when Samson, who was recuperating from a finger injury, was used as the Impact Player. Midway through the tournament, Samson sustained a rib injury and missed five matches when Parag had to take charge for the second time.

While cricket enthusiasts were almost certain that Parag would be appointed as the full-time captain ahead of IPL 2026, two of his compatriots have reportedly emerged as the frontrunners for the role.

According to a report in TOI, wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel and Team India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal are two likely picks for the captain's post if Samson indeed leaves.

Yashasvi has cemented his place in India's Test line-up and is very close to sealing his spot in white-ball cricket. The southpaw started his IPL career with the Royals in 2020 and has amassed 2166 runs in 66 matches at an average of 34.38 and a strike rate of 152.86.

Meanwhile, Dhruv Jurel has been in stunning form in red-ball cricket of late. He slammed two unbeaten centuries while playing for India A against South Africa A last week in the second unofficial Test between the two sides. Having made his IPL debut in 2023, Jurel has scored 680 runs in 35 innings at an average of 28.33 and a strike rate of 153.85.

CSK in serious talks with RR over Samson-Jadeja trade

Also Read

CSK in serious talks with RR over Samson-Jadeja trade

Yashasvi and Jurel are 23 and 24 years old, respectively. Whoever is appointed captain could serve them for a long time, bringing stability, clear direction, and strategic continuity.