There’s turmoil within the Rajasthan Royals (RR). Just before the IPL 2026 retention deadline, a major trade for the team’s current captain, Sanju Samson, to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is almost confirmed.
RR could receive players like Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, or Mathisha Pathirana in return.
This news sparked debate among fans about who will take over the captaincy now?
Who will be the new face after Sanju’s departure?
Sanju Samson captained RR in 67 matches, with 33 wins and 33 losses. Under his leadership, the team reached the final in 2022 and played in the playoffs in 2024. But now, finding a new captain has become a headache. There has also been a major change in the coaching staff.
Former Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara has returned as head coach, also serving as Director of Cricket from 2021. Rahul Dravid left, and CEO Jake Lush McCrum has also left.
According to sources, Team India wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel and opener Yashasvi Jaiswal are the frontrunners.
Jurel is a domestic talent and enjoys considerable influence within the franchise. Jaiswal also made his IPL debut with RR.
When Sanju was injured in the 2025 IPL, Riyan Parag took over as captain, but he currently appears to be out of the running. Jurel’s stock is rising rapidly.
Planning for a venue change is also in full swing
Both Jurel and Jaiswal are close to Sangakkara. They were asked to be prepared for the captaincy during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in England. Those close to the franchise believe Jurel has the upper hand.
The reason is that he keeps wickets, plays the role of a finisher, and can control the match from behind the stumps.
The ‘Impact Player’ rule allows an opener like Jaiswal to be replaced by an outfielder or bowler, giving the team more flexibility.
RR’s long-standing feud with the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) is well known. The dispute over ticket distribution for the 2025 IPL escalated to the point where the RCA alleged match-fixing.
The franchise is now considering leaving the Sawai Mansingh Stadium.
The first two home matches were played at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati, and now there are plans to shift the entire base.
Similar to the Punjab Kings, who left Mohali and play in Mullanpur and Dharamsala.
Trade talks are almost in the final stages. Both Jurel and Jaiswal are highly rated, and a photo-finish could happen until the last moment. The franchise will make a decision soon.
