Sanju started hooking up with Samson Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Ravindra Jadeja or Matheesha Pathirana, Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Rajasthan Royals (RR) stock market, Rajasthan Royals (RR) is set to take a big lead for the IPL 2026 season. As the franchise matures for a new era, two young Indian stars – Dhruv Jurel and Yashasvi Jaiswal – have emerged as leading contenders for the role of captain.
The decision marks a major milestone for the Royals, who have been trying to rebuild their leadership and maintain their competitiveness since the departure of Samson, who took over the team for four seasons. Under a revamped coaching setup led by Kumar Sangakkara, RR is keen to develop a young leadership capable of guiding the franchise into a fresh phase of growth.
DHRUV Jurel: A favored WicketKeeper-Finisher by Rajasthan Royals
According to multiple reports, Dhruv jurel appeared as a front worker to pass over the captain. A product of Rajasthan Royals’ development system, the 23-year-old WicketKeeper-inclined is admired for his versatility, impact and tactical awareness.
Jurel’s experience behind Stumps gives him a vantage point to read the game that allows him to lead effectively in real time. As a player, his ability to finish under pressure and his growing maturity makes him a natural leader in training.
Moreover, Jurel’s RR Director of Cricket Kumar Kumar Sangakkara, who split him with RR, lends weight to his candidacy. Franchise insiders believe Sangakkara’s leadership can play a decisive role in making Jurel one of the next generation of IPL leaders.
Yashasvi Jaiswal: Explosive opener with leadership potential
Yashasvi Jaiswal is another serious contender for the captain’s armband while Jurel leads the race. The dynamic left-handed opener has been one of Rajasthan’s most consistent performers in recent IPLs, known for his aggressive batting game and consistent knock.
Jaiswal’s leadership potential has been recognized for some time within the RR setup and they are reportedly eyeing a franchise leadership role. For the Anderson-Tendulkar trophy in England, both Jaiswal and Jurel were advised to prepare for potential capital responsibilities.
Jaiswal’s understanding of the game coupled with his ability to convince through his understanding of the game makes him a strong candidate to lead a young and developing squad.
RYAN PARAG is not in contention for the captaincy of RR
Riyan Paragda says that he is not in contention for the role of permanent captain, although he was briefly the captain last season due to the absence of an injury to his team-mate Simshon. While Parag remains a vital member of Royals’ middle order, the franchise is eyeing to hand over the leadership to either Jurel or Jaiswal as part of its long-term strategy.
The upcoming captaincy decision will be crucial for Rajasthan Royals’ future direction as they look ahead and strengthen their squad ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. With Samson’s move to CSK marking the end of an era, RR are looking to build a fresh leadership core capable of blending youthful energy with tactical acumen.
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