Riyan Parag to remain Rajasthan Royals captain for IPL 2027, reports say

Riyan Parag is set to continue as captain of the Rajasthan Royals for the Indian Premier League 2027, according to reports published on November 8, 2026. The coverage, attributed to senior Indian sports journalist Rahul Rawat, says the franchise does not plan to change the leadership ahead of the next season.

Parag first took over captaincy duties for Rajasthan Royals during the opening games of the 2025 IPL when Sanju Samson was unavailable and was named full-time captain in 2026 following Samson’s exit. Under Parag’s leadership, Rajasthan Royals reached the playoffs and finished third in the IPL 2026 after a loss to Gujarat Titans. Speculation about a potential captaincy switch emerged after a change in ownership, but the report indicates the franchise intends to retain Parag.

As a full-time skipper, Parag guided the Royals into the playoff stage in his initial season in charge, but his overall record for the franchise stands at 22 matches with ten wins, a win percentage of 45.45. Those figures are cited by the report in assessing his performance as captain.

The franchise had the option to appoint Yashasvi Jaiswal following Samson’s departure but opted for Parag; Jaiswal deputised in a couple of games during the 2026 campaign when the captain was absent. The report also notes Jaiswal’s status as a left-handed batter who has established himself for India at international level.

Rajasthan Royals retained Parag ahead of the previous cycle with an investment of INR 14 crore, and the report lists him among the team’s key players alongside Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel, both of whom are identified as alternative captaincy options within the squad.

Separate reports referenced in the story suggest Jaiswal could explore leaving the franchise, with speculation that he is unhappy with Parag’s captaincy and may seek other options. The report presents those claims as circulating narrative rather than confirmed decisions.

Rawat’s account concludes that the franchise is not inclined to change the captaincy, meaning Riyan Parag is likely to lead Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League 2027.