With Sanju Samson’s possible transfer to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) almost complete, Rajasthan Royals (RR) have reportedly started discussions about their next captain. According to reports, wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel and opener Yashasvi Jaiswal are the frontrunners to take over the captaincy for IPL 2026.
Samson is reportedly set to join Chennai Super Kings ahead of IPL 2026 in a blockbuster trade deal with Rajasthan Royals. According to ESPNcricinfo, all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran may go to Rajasthan in exchange for the Kerala-born cricketer.
If finalized, the move would be one of the most significant trades in IPL history. Although the deal appears to be mutually beneficial on paper, experts believe one franchise is likely to get an edge.
Sanju Samson led Rajasthan Royals in the last few seasons
Sanju Samson served as the captain of Rajasthan Royals in the last few seasons. Samson was appointed captain in 2021. The wicketkeeper-batsman led the team in 67 matches, winning 33 and losing 33. He played a key role in reviving the fortunes of the Royals during his tenure.
Under his leadership, Rajasthan had one of their best campaigns in 2022, reaching their first IPL final in 14 years before losing to Gujarat Titans (GT). Samson recorded his first 500-run season in 2024, scoring 531 runs at an average of 48.27 and a strike rate of 153.47.
However, a side injury ruled him out of the latter half of the tournament in 2025 and RR finished ninth in the standings. With Sanju Samson now set to move to Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan are expected to hand over the reins to another player while newly signed Ravindra Jadeja will join in as a player.
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel have emerged as the leading candidates to replace Sanju Samson
There have been significant changes at Rajasthan Royals in recent weeks, with former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara returning as head coach following the departure of Rahul Dravid. The franchise has also parted ways with CEO Jake Lush McCrum.
Last season, Riyan Parag captained the team in Samson’s absence. The team won two out of eight matches and he is reportedly not in contention for the top role.
According to a report in Times of India, Dhruv Jurel is the leading candidate to replace Sanju Samson as the next captain of Rajasthan Royals. It is expected that he will lead the team ahead of Yashasvi Jaiswal due to his all-round ability and leadership qualities.
“Wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel, who is the Royals’ home-grown talent, is the choice of many who matter in the franchise set-up. Team India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who made his IPL debut for the Royals, is another name the franchise is considering,” development watchers told TimesofIndia.com.
Dhruv Jurel is likely to defeat Yashasvi Jaiswal in the race for captaincy of Rajasthan Royals.
Dhruv Jurel has a slight edge over Yashasvi Jaiswal to take over the captaincy of Rajasthan Royals. Both players, who share a strong relationship with head coach Kumar Sangakkara, were briefed about their leadership prospects when they were in England for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
The report states that Jurel’s multifaceted skill set has made him the preferred choice for the role. His position behind the stumps allows him to read the game closely and influence on-field tactics.
In IPL 2025, Jurel scored 333 runs at an average of 37 and strike rate of 156.34. He was retained for ₹14 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction.
Also read: Did Ravindra Jadeja himself agree to Rajasthan Royals or did MS Dhoni drop him? Sensational report revealed!
