Rajasthan Royals have named Riyan Parag as their new captain, marking the beginning of a new era for the franchise following Sanju Samson’s move to Chennai Super Kings. Parag, who made his IPL debut in 2019, has been one of Royals’ longest-serving players, spending all seven seasons with the franchise. The appointment signals the team’s belief in continuity and youth as they look to rebuild on and off the field.
Built here. Tested here. Trusted here.
Rajasthan, your new captain is here.
Inside the decision that opens a new chapter. Watch the final episode pic.twitter.com/0d0HAkrC0d— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) February 13, 2026
The 24-year-old got a brief taste of leadership last season when he captained the side for eight games during Samson’s injury layoff. While the results were mixed – two wins and six losses as the Royals finished ninth – Parag stood out with the bat. He averaged 38.57 in those games, including a career-best 95 against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens, an innings that underlined his growing maturity.
Overall, Parag appeared in 84 IPL matches and scored 1,566 runs at a strike rate of 141.84. His breakthrough season came in 2024, when he amassed 573 runs at 149.21, establishing himself as a reliable middle-order force. Although his strike rate rose to an impressive 166.52 last season, his aggregate fell to 393 runs, with just one half-century.
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
February 13, 2026