In a transfer that alerts a recent path for the franchise, Riyan Parag has been appointed captain of the Rajasthan Royals forward of the IPL 2026 season. The choice comes after Sanju Samson accomplished a high-profile change to the Chennai Tremendous Kings, bringing an finish to his lengthy management stint in Jaipur.
The announcement has stirred widespread reactions throughout social media platforms, with followers expressing every part from pleasure and satisfaction to skepticism and concern. For the Royals, nevertheless, the message is obvious: the long run can be constructed round youth, continuity and perception in homegrown expertise.
From teenage prodigy to franchise chief: Riyan Parag’s journey
Parag’s journey with the Royals started in 2019 when he debuted as one of many youngest gamers within the event. Seven seasons later, he steps into the captaincy position having featured in 84 IPL matches and amassed 1,566 runs at a wholesome strike fee of 141.84.
His breakthrough marketing campaign got here in 2024, when he piled up 573 runs at a strike fee touching 149.21, reworking himself from a promising finisher right into a dependable top-order power. Although his combination dipped to 393 runs final season, he maintained an explosive strike fee of 166.52, showcasing his evolving vary and maturity as a batter.
Parag additionally had a short style of management final yr when Samson was sidelined as a result of harm. He led the facet in eight matches, managing two wins and 6 defeats because the Royals completed ninth. Whereas the outcomes didn’t tilt of their favour, Parag impressed individually, averaging 38.57 throughout that stretch, together with a memorable 95 towards Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens.
Management reset with Kumar Sangakkara on the helm
IPL 2026 can even mark a major shift off the sector. With Rahul Dravid stepping away from the top coach position after the 2025 season, the Royals will enter a brand new chapter underneath Kumar Sangakkara, who takes cost as head coach.
The Parag-Sangakkara partnership is predicted to mix youthful aggression with strategic expertise. Sangakkara’s calm management fashion and tactical acumen may show essential in shaping Parag’s progress as captain.
Additionally READ: Delhi Capitals rope in England legend as assistant coach ahead of IPL 2026
Right here’s how followers reacted:
Set to guide a 𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙚𝙧𝙖 in pink 🩷@rajasthanroyals followers, welcome your captain Riyan Parag 👏#TATAIPL | @ParagRiyan pic.twitter.com/eTUnc4rWn1
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) February 13, 2026
Set to guide a 𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙚𝙧𝙖 in pink 🩷
The Rajasthan Royals appoint Riyan Parag as their new captain 👏
A recent chapter. A daring imaginative and prescient. The longer term begins now. 💗#TATAIPL | #ParagRiyan | #IPL2026 pic.twitter.com/EQZzwVGIhY
— Arshy (@imArshit) February 13, 2026
Go effectively captain riyan parag 💗🔒 be your self and wish a 2024 kinda season from you with the bat ✌🏻
See u in mid March 🔪pic.twitter.com/AOTgoW5OCM— . (@kadaipaneer_) February 13, 2026
Ryan Parag appointed Rajasthan Royal’s Captain for IPL 2026.#IPL2026pic.twitter.com/AaWyXjoyEI
— Kashif (@KashifNdmCric) February 13, 2026
RCB fan Riyan Parag is now RR Captain 👏 pic.twitter.com/4dvd7OkG6K
— RCBIANS OFFICIAL (@RcbianOfficial) February 13, 2026
Rajasthan Royals introduced Riyan Parag as their new #IPL Captain.pic.twitter.com/zMiDYlgczI
— 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐌𝐀𝐒 𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐁𝐘 (@thomas__huji) February 13, 2026
THE RIYAN PARAG ERA IS HERE. 🔥🩷
The Rajasthan Royals have appointed Riyan Parag as their new captain ✌🏼#teamindia #t20worldcup #bharatarmy #coti🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/kvv1CZAfvR
— The Bharat Military (@thebharatarmy) February 13, 2026
🚨 PARAG THE NEW RR CAPTAIN. 🚨
– Riyan Parag set to be named as the brand new captain of Rajasthan Royals within the IPL. (Espncricinfo). pic.twitter.com/mi2y7MtfwG
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 13, 2026
🚨 MEET THE NEW CAPTAIN OF RAJASTHAN ROYALS 🚨
– Riyan Parag has been named the brand 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) February 13, 2026
Riyan Parag – the captain of @rajasthanroyals pic.twitter.com/YiV5E9QTOI
— Cricketopia (@CricketopiaCom) February 13, 2026
Riyan is the right alternative for RR captain as a result of he stays so composed.
I’m wanting ahead to him main the group with the identical hearth and ability as Ricky Ponting.
Good luck @ParagRiyan https://t.co/QxEgnpv06R— Hitman 🗿 (@Hitman_views) February 13, 2026
Captain Riyan Parag.. sounds unreal.
Assam’s boy main an IPL franchise.One other proof that huge desires can rise from wherever. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/q2zwslP88d
— 𝐒 𝐰 𝐚 𝐫 𝐚˚.✦ (@SwaraMSDian) February 13, 2026
Additionally READ: EXPLAINED: Why Mumbai Indians blocks RCB’s request to host IPL 2026 games at DY Patil Stadium?
