Rajasthan Royals (RR) find themselves in turbulent water after the sudden departure of the head coach Rahul DravidDravid, exactly a day after rejecting a broader role within the franchise, reports suggested that the team is divided into the question of the captaincy internal. According to Cricbuzz, RR has three separate groups – each supports a separate candidate: Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal And Ryan Parag,
Lack of consensus on leadership has now put uncertainty on the immediate future of Royals, especially with IPL 2026 auction and already a new head coach.
Triple-headed fight for the role of captaincy in Rajasthan Royals
The report claimed that there were three clear schools of idea inside the setup of Royals. A group of players and officials supported Ryan Parag, who briefly participated in the absence of Sanju Samson during the 2025 season. However, his tenure as a stand-in skipper was away from assuring-the RR won only two of the eight matches under his leadership. Despite this record, Parag’s supporters believe that he represents the future of the franchise and may grow in the role over time.
Another section within the camp bowed towards Yashsvi Jaiswal, an explosive opener who has consistently strengthened his place as one of India’s most talented batting talent. While Jaiswal had never captained Rajasthan Royals before, his leadership ambitions are no secret. His supporters see him as “Future face” In the franchise, someone who can lead for a longer period when given the opportunity.
Third group supported continuity by supporting Sanju Samson To continue as captain. Samson, who has been associated with RR for years, remain a popular person among fans and colleagues. For this faction, sticking with Samson represents stability at one time when the franchise is already working with changes from the region.
“Discussion out of the setup suggests that there were three separate schools of idea within the franchise: one group pushed for Ryan Parag, another supported Yashsavi Jaiswal as a future leader, while one third continued the status quo with Samson, which continues on Helm,” Cricbuzz reported.
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Rahul Dravid’s exit connects uncertainty in RR camp
In view of Rahul Dravid’s departure, the leadership debate has taken the center stage. Dravid, who joined the royals as head coaches, decided to step down on Saturday after rejecting the role of a comprehensive backroom within the team. His decision has allegedly deepened the vacuum in the Royals’ leadership structure.
Samson’s future is another major talk. Reports suggest that Kerala Batter may have asked for a release before the IPL 2026 auction. If RR decides to let him go, it will not only mark the end of a long association, but will also open the race of captaincy.
Meanwhile, the franchise is already considering a possible replacement for Dravid. Former Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara, who has previously worked with the team in the role of a director, has emerged as a potential candidate to take over as head coach.
For now, the Royals are standing at a crossroads. No clear mandate for captaincy, with the exit of a major coach, and uncertainty of uncertainty on their captain, the franchise is important for a few weeks that may define their luck for the next IPL cycle.
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