iyan Parag has been named as the new captain of the Rajasthan Royals on Friday ahead of the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), replacing Sanju Samson. Parag’s appointment was on the cards, after he led the side last season when a not-fully-fit Samson played as an Impact Player at the start of the IPL 2025.
Although he returned as the captain in the middle-phase, the Indian wicketkeeper batter was once again sidelined towards the end of the tournament with injury. With Samson traded to Chennai Super Kings in return of Sam Curran and Ravindra Jadeja, Parag’s appointment was just a mere formality.
Rajasthan Royals has been my home in the IPL since day one. This franchise has backed me, developed me, and pushed me to grow every season.
To now lead this team is incredibly special, and it’s a responsibility I fully embrace. I’m excited to work alongside our coaches and leadership group to play fearless, smart cricket and make our fans proud,” an official Rajasthan Royals statement stated Parag as saying.
In the process, Parag joined an elite list of captains – Shane Warne, Shane Watson, Ajinkya Rahane, Rahul Dravid, Steve Smith and Samson – who led the franchise in the last 18 years. Reacting to the responsibility, Parag said he is excited to work with the coaches and leadership group.
“Rajasthan Royals has been my home in the IPL since day one. This franchise has backed me, developed me, and pushed me to grow every season. To now lead this team is incredibly special, and it’s a responsibility I fully embrace. I’m excited to work alongside our coaches and leadership group to play fearless, smart cricket and make our fans proud,” an official Rajasthan Royals statement stated Parag as saying.
