In a move that signals a new direction for the franchise, Riyan Parag has been appointed captain of Rajasthan Royals Ahead of the IPL 2026 season. decision comes later sanju samson Completed a high-profile switch to Chennai Super KingsWhich ended his long leadership tenure in Jaipur.
The announcement sparked widespread reactions across social media platforms, with fans expressing everything from excitement and pride to skepticism and concern. However, for the Royals, the message is clear: the future will be built around youth, continuity and belief in homegrown talent.
From teen genius to franchise leader: Riyan Parag’s journey
Parag’s journey with the Royals began in 2019 when he made his debut as one of the youngest players in the tournament. After seven seasons, he stepped into the captaincy role and featured in 84 IPL matches and scored 1,566 runs at a healthy strike rate of 141.84.
His breakthrough campaign came in 2024, when he scored 573 runs at a strike rate of 149.21, transforming himself from a promising finisher into a reliable top-order force. Although his total dropped to 393 runs last season, he maintained an explosive strike rate of 166.52, showing his evolving range and maturity as a batsman.
Parag also got a little taste of leadership last year when Samson was out due to injury. He led the team in eight matches, managing two wins and six losses as the Royals finished in ninth place. Although the results did not tilt in his favour, Parag impressed individually, averaging 38.57 during that period, which also included a memorable 95 against Australia. Kolkata Knight Riders In Eden Gardens.
Leadership has been re-established under Kumar Sangakkara
IPL 2026 will mark a significant change off the field as well. with Rahul Dravid Royals will enter a new chapter, stepping down from head coach role after 2025 season Kumar SangakkaraWho takes charge as the head coach.
The Parag-Sangakkara partnership is expected to blend youthful aggression with tactical experience. Sangakkara’s calm leadership style and tactical acumen could prove crucial in shaping Parag’s development as captain.
Also read: Delhi Capitals has appointed the England legend as assistant coach ahead of IPL 2026.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Ready to lead the way in pink🩷@RajasthanRoyals Fans, welcome your captain Riyan Parag#TATAIPL | @paragarian pic.twitter.com/eTUnc4rWn1
– IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) 13 February 2026
Ready to lead the way in pink🩷
Rajasthan Royals have appointed Riyan Parag as their new captain.
A fresh chapter. A bold approach. The future starts now. 💗#TATAIPL | #pollination | #IPL2026 pic.twitter.com/EQZzwVGIhY
– Arshi (@imArshit) 13 February 2026
Ok Captain Ryan Parag 💗🔒 Be yourself and want a 2024 like season from you with the bat ✌🏻
See you in mid-March 🔪pic.twitter.com/AOTgoW5OCM—. (@kadaipaneer_) 13 February 2026
Riyan Parag was appointed the captain of Rajasthan Royal for IPL 2026.#IPL2026pic.twitter.com/AaWyXjoyEI
– Kashif (@KashifNdmCric) 13 February 2026
RCB fan Riyan Parag is now RR captain pic.twitter.com/4dvd7OkG6K
– RCBIAN Official (@RcbianOfficial) 13 February 2026
Rajasthan Royals announced Riyan Parag as their new player #IPL Captain.pic.twitter.com/zMiDYlgczI
— 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐌𝐀𝐒 𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐁𝐘 (@thomas__huji) 13 February 2026
The Ryan Pollen era is here. 🔥🩷
Rajasthan Royals have appointed Riyan Parag as their new captain.#teamindia #t20worldcup #IndianArmy #koti🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/kvv1CZAfvR
– Indian Army (@theIndianArmy) 13 February 2026
🚨Parag new RR captain. 🚨
– Riyan Parag is sure to be made the new captain of Rajasthan Royals in IPL. (ESPNcricinfo). pic.twitter.com/mi2y7MtfwG
– Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) 13 February 2026
🚨Meet the new captain of Rajasthan Royals 🚨
– Riyan Parag has been made 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) 13 February 2026
Riyan Parag – Captain @RajasthanRoyals pic.twitter.com/YiV5E9QTOI
– Cricketopia (@CricketopiaCom) 13 February 2026
Ryan is the perfect choice for the RR captain as he remains very calm.
I am expecting him to lead the team with the same enthusiasm and skill as Ricky Ponting.
may you be successful @paragarian https://t.co/QxEgnpv06R– Hitman 🗿 (@Hitman_views) 13 February 2026
Captain Ryan Parag…seems unreal.
The boy from Assam is leading the IPL franchise.Another proof that big dreams can arise out of nowhere. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/q2zwslP88d
– 𝐒 𝐰 ↓ 𝐫 ↓.✦ (@SwaraMSDian) 13 February 2026
Also read: Explanation: Why did Mumbai Indians block RCB’s request to host IPL 2026 games at DY Patil Stadium?