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Riyan Parag discusses Rajasthan Royals’ captaincy plans post-IPL 2026 auction and reflects on Sanju Samson’s move to Chennai Super Kings.
Riyan Parag can lead Rajasthan Royals after the departure of Sanju Samson (Picture credit: AFP)
Star India all-rounder Riyan Parag has said that the Rajasthan Royals management has decided to act on the captaincy conundrum after the IPL 2026 mini auction, adding that he is ready to contribute just as a player as well as a captain, after gaining some captaincy experience with the franchise earlier this year.
With Sanju Samson’s unexpected move to the Chennai Super Kings ahead of IPL 2025, RR are now in the market for a new skipper. Leading the shortlist is Riyan, who took charge in eight games last season during Samson’s injury absence.
Riyan knows he is among the leading contenders, but says that he is not letting the leadership chatter distract him.
“I captained in seven to eight matches in the IPL last season. In the dressing room, when we would analyse decisions, I have done things right 80 to 85 per cent,” Riyan said while speaking to Sportstar.
“Manoj [Badale] sir has said the decision [on captaincy] will be taken after the auction. If I think about that now, I will ruin my mental space. If the team management feels I am the right fit for captaincy, I am ready to put my hand up,” Riyan added.
“Everyone has the misconception that captaincy is easy. Yes, there is an element of fame in captaincy, but it reduces the element of cricket to 20 per cent. You have to attend all the meetings, attend sponsor shoots and answer the media,” Riyan said.
As he steps into an expanded role with the Rajasthan Royals’ senior leadership group, Riyan acknowledged that he will miss Samson, who has been central to his IPL journey since his teenage days.
“I don’t want to think about his [Samson’s] absence, because then I will feel bad. I was very close to Sanju bhaiya when I came into the team. He never let me feel that I was a 17 or 18-year-old boy from Assam,” Riyan said.
Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. December 05, 2025, 18:50 IST
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