Riyan Parag Open to Rajasthan Royals Captaincy but Focused on Form and Fitness

India allrounder Riyan Parag says he is not currently thinking about becoming Rajasthan Royals’ next captain but is ready to take on the role if the franchise believes he is the right fit. Parag is among the possible contenders to succeed Sanju Samson, who was traded to Chennai Super Kings ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.

“There haven't been any discussions about captaincy at RR yet,” Parag said. “Manoj sir has told us the decision will be made only after the auction. If I start thinking about it now, it will mess with my mindset. If the team and management feel I'm the right fit, I'm ready for it. If they want me to just focus on my game, I’m ready for that too.”

Parag captained RR in eight matches during IPL 2025 when Samson was injured, leading the side to two wins. He also has significant domestic leadership experience, having captained Assam across formats since 2021. He said the responsibility has helped him grow as both a cricketer and an individual.

“Last year, I captained in seven or eight IPL matches… about 80 to 85% of my decisions were correct,” Parag noted. “You learn a lot from that, and on the big stage you don’t feel the pressure of how to captain or manage the team. It has helped me evolve a lot as a person.”

The 23-year-old also dismissed concerns about RR heading into the December 16 auction without a designated captain. He said the franchise’s leadership group—which will now include Ravindra Jadeja—plays a key role in all major decisions, including trades and auction strategies.

Parag also spoke warmly about his bond with former captain Samson. “Sanju bhai has played a huge role in my career… he never made me feel like a 17-year-old kid from Assam,” he said. “He has taught me a lot and given me a lot of love.”

Despite a lean run in domestic cricket—his recent SMAT scores reading 5, 15, 14, 0, and 5—Parag remains confident of returning to India’s white-ball squads once his shoulder injury fully heals. He scored three List A fifties for India A in September but has struggled since, including a modest Ranji Trophy return of 100 runs in three matches.

“I’ve gone through these phases many times,” Parag said. “Now my frame of mind is the most important thing. I’m coming back from a shoulder injury, so I have to play cautiously. I think it's because of this injury that I’m not in the Indian team right now. Once I’m fully fit, you’ll see me back in the Indian blue jersey.”

Parag made his T20I debut in July 2024 and has played nine matches for India, earning his first ODI cap in August 2024.