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With Sanju Samson set to join Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for the IPL 2026 season in exchange of Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran or Matheesha Pathirana, Rajasthan Royals (RR) are preparing for a major leadership transition. As the franchise gears up for a new era, two young Indian stars – Dhruv Jurel and Yashasvi Jaiswal – have emerged as the leading contenders for the captaincy role.
The decision marks a pivotal moment for the Royals, who will be looking to rebuild their leadership core and maintain their competitive edge after the departure of Samson, who captained the team for four seasons. Under a revamped coaching setup led by Kumar Sangakkara, RR are keen on fostering young leadership capable of guiding the franchise into a fresh phase of growth.
Dhruv Jurel: The wicketkeeper-finisher favoured by Rajasthan Royals
According to multiple reports, Dhruv Jurel has emerged as the front-runner to take over the captaincy. The 23-year-old wicketkeeper-batter, a product of Rajasthan Royals’ development system, is admired for his versatility, composure and tactical awareness on the field.
Jurel’s experience behind the stumps gives him a vantage point to read the game, allowing him to lead effectively in real-time. His ability to finish innings under pressure and his growing maturity as a player make him a natural leader in the making.
Moreover, Jurel’s strong rapport with RR’s Director of Cricket Kumar Sangakkara, who has closely mentored him, adds weight to his candidacy. Franchise insiders believe Sangakkara’s guidance could play a decisive role in shaping Jurel into one of the next-generation IPL leaders.
Yashasvi Jaiswal: The explosive opener with leadership potential
While Jurel leads the race, Yashasvi Jaiswal is another serious contender for the captain’s armband. The dynamic left-handed opener has been one of Rajasthan’s most consistent performers in recent IPL seasons, known for his aggressive stroke play and match-winning knocks at the top of the order.
Jaiswal’s leadership potential has been recognized within the RR setup for some time, and the franchise has reportedly been grooming him for a leadership role. During their stint in England for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, both Jaiswal and Jurel were advised to prepare for potential captaincy responsibilities.
Jaiswal’s understanding of the game, coupled with his ability to inspire confidence through performances, makes him a strong candidate to lead a young and evolving squad.
Riyan Parag not in contention for RR’s captaincy
Although Riyan Parag briefly captained the team last season in Samson’s injury absence, reports suggest he is not in contention for the permanent captaincy role. While Parag remains a vital member of the Royals’ middle order, the franchise appears focused on entrusting 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 aim to regroup and strengthen their squad ahead of IPL 2026 auction. With Samson’s reported move to CSK marking the end of an era, RR are looking to build a fresh leadership nucleus capable of blending tactical acumen with youthful energy.
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