Captaincy turmoil in RR: With the IPL 2026 retention deadline drawing near, the Rajasthan Royals are making some very bold moves behind the scenes as this could be a massive season of change for the franchise. The Royals have been one of the busiest teams this off-season; numerous changes have happened in the management and also in the squad.
The coaching setup has already undergone a reshuffle with the return of former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara as head coach following the exit of Rahul Dravid. Sangakkara, who has been with RR as Director of Cricket since 2021, will now take over the reins for the franchise’s cricketing strategizing. Incidentally, the Royals have also decided to part ways with CEO Jake Lush McCrum, thereby heralding new beginnings for the Royals.
Sanju Samson Likely to Move to CSK
Reports further suggest that RR skipper Sanju Samson will probably be traded to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in a blockbuster deal. The potential trade might see Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran, or even Matheesha Pathirana, end up in Rajasthan. If this is indeed the case, the trade could be among the bigger player trades in the history of the IPL.
Samson has been the mainstay for RR, as he captained the team in 67 matches with an even record of 33-33. The Royals reached the IPL 2022 final under his captainship, while they made the playoffs in IPL 2024. His potential exit leaves a crucial gap in leadership that the franchise must fill swiftly.
The Race for the Royals Captaincy
With Samson probably on his way out, the question of the next RR captain is now a hot topic. According to those in the know, wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel is emerging as the frontrunner. A homegrown talent, Jurel has impressed the Royals management with his versatility and ability to control games from behind the stumps.
Another contender is Yashasvi Jaiswal, the India opener and RR stalwart. According to reports, both Jurel and Jaiswal were told by Sangakkara to get themselves ready to lead during their recent sojourn in England for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
🚨 JAISWAL OR JUREL FOR LEADERSHIP. 🚨
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 10, 2025
– Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel emerged as front runners to lead Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026. (TOI). pic.twitter.com/wH4BZCZDCp
Riyan Parag, who led RR in the absence of Sanju Samson as captain during IPL 2025, is reportedly less likely for the permanent role. Sources close to the team indicate that Jurel’s multi-dimensional skills as a keeper, finisher, and tactical leader give him an edge over Jaiswal. Also, considering the ‘Impact Player’ rule in the IPL, RR might derive more flexibility in managing batting and bowling substitutions during matches with Jurel as captain.
What this means for RR?
This potential trade and captaincy shake-up underlines RR’s intent to revamp the team structure going into IPL 2026. The return of Sangakkara as head coach, coupled with fresh leadership from within, suggests a specific strategy-to assemble a team that balances youth, experience, and tactical versatility.
If the Samson trade does take place, Rajasthan Royals may hope that it starts a new chapter in their history, one with homegrown talent taking the reins, and high-profile allrounders fitting in around them.
