This move marks a new direction for the series, Ryanparag Has been appointed captain rajasthan royals Ahead of the IPL 2026 season. after the decision Sanzhou Samson Complete high-profile transformation chennai super kingsending his long leadership tenure in Jaipur.

The news sparked widespread reactions on social media platforms, with fans expressing a range of emotions from excitement and pride to skepticism and concern. For the Royals, however, the message is clear: the future will be built on youth, continuity and belief in homegrown talent.

From prodigy to franchise leader: Riyan Parag’s journey

Parag’s journey with the Royals began in 2019 when he made his debut as one of the youngest players in the tournament. Seven seasons later, he became captain, played 84 IPL games and amassed 1,566 runs at a healthy strike rate of 141.84.

His breakout season came in 2024, when he amassed 573 points at a strike rate of 149.21, transforming himself from a promising finisher into a reliable top-order force. Although his total dropped to 393 runs last season, he still maintained an explosive strike rate of 166.52, showcasing his evolving range and maturity as a batsman.

Parag also got a brief taste of leadership last year when Samson was sidelined with injury. He led the team in eight games, recording two wins and six losses, with the Royals in ninth place. Although the result went against them, Parag’s individual performance was impressive, averaging 38.57 points during that period, including a memorable 95 Kolkata Knight Riders In the Garden of Eden.

Kumar Sangakkara returns to leadership

IPL 2026 will also mark a major shift off the field. and Rahul Dravid The Royals will enter a new chapter after stepping down as head coach after the 2025 season Kumar Sangakkaraas head coach.

The Parag-Sangakkara partnership is expected to blend youthful aggression with strategic experience. Sangakkara’s calm leadership style and tactical acumen have been crucial to Parag’s growth as captain.

Also read: Delhi Capitals hire England legend as assistant coach ahead of IPL 2026

Here’s how fans reacted:

Get ready to lead a pink 🩷𝙣𝙚𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙖@rajasthanroyals Fans, welcome your captain Riyan Parag 👏#TATAIPL | @ParagRiyan pic.twitter.com/eTUnc4rWn1

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) February 13, 2026

Get ready to lead a pink 🩷𝙣𝙚𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙖

Rajasthan Royals appoints Riyan Parag as new captain 👏

A brand new chapter. A bold vision. The future starts now. 💗#TATAIPL | #ParagRyan | #IPL2026 pic.twitter.com/EQZzwVGIhY

— Arshy (@imArshit) February 13, 2026

All the best, captain riyan parag 💗🔒 Be yourself, it takes you to have a 2024 season with the bat ✌🏻
See you in mid-March 🔪pic.twitter.com/AOTgoW5OCM

— . (@kadaipaneer_) February 13, 2026

Ryan Parag named captain of Rajasthan Royals 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 announce Riyan Parag as their new player #IPL team leader.pic.twitter.com/zMiDYlgczI

— 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐌𝐀𝐒 𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐁𝐘 (@thomas__huji) February 13, 2026

RIYAN PARAG The time has come. 🔥🩷

Rajasthan Royals appoints Riyan Parag as new captain ✌🏼#teamindia #t20World Cup #baratami #COTY🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/kvv1CZAfvR

— The Bharat Army (@thebharatarmy) February 13, 2026

🚨 The new RR captain Parag. 🚨

– Riyan Parag will be appointed as the new captain of Rajasthan Royals in IPL. (Espncricinfo). pic.twitter.com/mi2y7MtfwG

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 13, 2026

🚨 Meet the new captain of Rajasthan Royals 🚨

– Riyan Parag appointed as new captain of Rajasthan Royals 🩷

2026 = Sun Parag
2021-25 = Tri-State 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 – Captain @rajasthanroyals pic.twitter.com/YiV5E9QTOI

— Cricketopia (@CricketopiaCom) February 13, 2026

Riyan is the perfect choice to captain RR as he maintains his composure.

I look forward to him leading the team with the same passion and skill as Ricky Ponting.
Good luck @ParagRiyan https://t.co/QxEgnpv06R

— Hitman 🗿 (@Hitman_views) February 13, 2026

Captain Riyan Parag…sounds unreal.
Assam boy leads IPL team.

Another proof that great dreams can arise from anywhere. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/q2zwslP88d

— 𝐒 𝐰 𝐚 𝐫 𝐚°.✦ (@SwaraMSDian) February 13, 2026

Also read: Explanation: Why Mumbai Indians blocked RCB’s request to host IPL 2026 matches at DY Patil Stadium?