Rajasthan Royals (RR) are set to face the biggest dilemma in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). They have brought Ravindra Jadeja back into the team, but this will increase their problems further in the upcoming IPL 2026.
It is being said that Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals (DC) had almost finalized the trade deal, but it was Ravindra Jadeja who initiated the trade talks after discussing it several times with the principal owner, Manoj Badale.
Delhi Capitals were reportedly ready to part with Tristan Stubbs and Sameer Rizvi to bring Sanju Samson back on board.
Rajasthan Royals face captaincy turmoil after Ravindra Jadeja’s blockbuster comeback
At that time, Jadeja stepped forward and expressed his desire to become the captain of Rajasthan Royals and on this condition the Chennai Super Kings (CSK)-RR deal was finalised. Badale’s promise comes after the Indian all-rounder asked Chennai Super Kings to resume trade talks with RR.
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And then, CSK sent Jadeja to the Royals along with Sam Curran and included Samson in the much-awaited trade. Interestingly, the left-arm spinner joined RR for Rs 14 crore – Rs 4 crore less than his contract with CSK – and he accepted it because of the promise of captaincy.
Now, the main point is that Rajasthan opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel have also expressed their desire to lead the franchise. Finally, Jaiswal has already informed the Royals that he wants to captain the team in the tournament, but while Sanju Samson was recovering from injury, Riyan Parag was made the captain.
Yashasvi Jaiswal vs Dhruv Jurel vs Riyan Parag vs Ravindra Jadeja: Rajasthan Royals gear up for captaincy battle
After this season, Jurel had also expressed interest in captaining RR. He has already led Central Zone in the 2025 Duleep Trophy and India in the 2020 Under-19 World Cup and 2019 Under-19 Asia Cup. Jurel was also the vice-captain of India A during the tour of Australia for red-ball games.
Journalist Rohit Juglan revealed that the names of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel have been discussed for the captaincy of RR, and even the Indian opener has openly told the team management that he wants to lead the franchise in IPL 2026, creating a new headache for the team.
At times, Jaiswal has admitted that he wants to lead the Royals in the IPL, and Jurel has already been groomed by India as a future captain, while Riyan Parag is already leading the team. So, it will be interesting to see how the RR team management keeps everyone on the same page, considering that they have already promised the captaincy to Jadeja.
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Power struggle in RR could ruin IPL 2026
Parag was made the captain in IPL 2025 against the wishes of Samson and the rift within the team was clearly visible on and off the field. That move left the Royals divided and they suffered another poor season.
Therefore, it would not be wrong to say that the same drama can happen again if the team management fails to satisfy the ego of these players.
While Yashasvi is desperate for captaincy, Jadeja wants to fulfill his wish of ending his IPL journey as captain and Parag is also ready for the opportunity.
Every move Rajasthan Royals makes will decide their fate in IPL 2026, as it is going to be really difficult for them to keep everyone on the same page.