While Parag led in Samson's injury absence, Jaiswal remains a key contender for captaincy. The post Yashasvi Jaiswal vs Riyan Parag as RR face captaincy saga amid Sanju Samson drama appeared first on Inside Sport India.
The wheels seem to be coming off at Rajasthan Royals. After a disappointing IPL 2025, the franchise could be looking at a possible turnover in personnel. Sanju Samson has rocked IPL trading circles with a request to move on. The India opener’s exit could create a captaincy saga, with Riyan Parag and Yashasvi Jaiswal among options.
Sanju Samson wants to move on
As per Cricbuzz and ESPNCricinfo, Sanju Samson has officially communicated his intention to be traded or released. Reports suggest his relationship with the franchise, despite 11 seasons with them, has completely broken down. The 30-year-old is their longest serving captain and their leading run scorer. Royals are yet to take a decision and owner Manoj Badale and coach Rahul Dravid will decide on the matter in due course. So far, the 2022 finalists have rejected any offers, considering them unacceptable. In theory, Royals have their bases covered. Sanju is under contract until 2027 and all decison making powers are vested with the Royals. The franchise unearthed Vaibhav Suryavanshi as an option in Samson’s injury absence last season. Riyan Parag led the side, while Dhruv Jurel kept wickets.
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 7, 2025
RR
SANJU SAMSON
– Samson has told the franchise he wants to be released ahead of the auction for IPL 2026.
– Franchise has not yet given him a definitive Answer.
– Decision will be taken by RR Owner in coordination with Rahul Dravid.
– As per the IPL… pic.twitter.com/UvwOoHceI7
Will Riyan Parag lead Rajasthan Royals?
Riyan Parag was tasked with filling in for Samson when he struggled with a rib injury last season. Parag has been with the franchise since 2018 and the franchise have put a lot of faith in the Assam star. After a few middling seasons, Parag has come good in the last couple of years, finding his way into India’s scheme of things. However, Rajasthan struggled under Parag, including choking 3 consecutive run chases. He led the team in 8 games, winning just 2 games.
The Yashasvi Jaiswal paradox
Should Sanju Samson move on, it is fair to say that Yashasvi Jaiswal will also be eyeing the armband. An India regular now, Jaiswal would have leadership aspirations. It is rumoured that the left-hander’s now cancelled switch to Goa in domestic cricket was also due to his eagerness to take up captaincy. That was paid to rest after ODI captain Rohit Sharma convinced him otherwise. Losing out on captaincy at RR could trigger the left-hander to seek new avenues, much like Samson has now.
The post Yashasvi Jaiswal vs Riyan Parag as RR face captaincy saga amid Sanju Samson drama appeared first on Inside Sport India.
