Rajasthan Royals have appointed Riyan Parag as their captain for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. Parag, at 23 years old, expressed his emotions and empowerment at being given this responsibility. He has been associated with the Royals since the beginning of his IPL career and sees this as a special moment to lead the team.
Parag’s captaincy signifies the Royals’ strategy of nurturing young leaders internally. Having been part of the team’s player leadership group, he now steps into the role of full captaincy. Head Coach Kumar Sangakkara praised Parag’s growth as a cricketer and a leader, highlighting his impact on the team and his ability to handle pressure.
The decision to appoint Parag as captain reflects the franchise’s focus on long-term development and cultural alignment. Lead owner Manoj Badale emphasized Parag’s character, growth, and performance as the basis for his leadership role. The Royals are gearing up for IPL 2026 with a strong coaching team led by Sangakkara as Director of Cricket and Head Coach, supported by experienced staff to enhance preparation and performance.
