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Riyan Parag vs Yashasvi Jaiswal: Best Captain For RR In IPL 2026 If Sanju Samson Leaves

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

Yashasvi Jaiswal and Riyan Parag [Source: @sarcastic_us, @Yoonothing_/x.com]Yashasvi Jaiswal and Riyan Parag [Source: @sarcastic_us, @Yoonothing_/x.com]

Rajasthan Royals are facing one of their biggest leadership crisis since the inception of IPL. There have been rumours around Sanju Samson leaving the the franchise ahead of IPL 2026. That had already created a vacuum in the captaincy role of the team. Now, with Rahul Dravid stepping down as the coach, the Royals face a serious revamp around the core.

Internal Rift In Royals Camp

After Dravid left the role, a report claimed that the step came after the camp was essentially divided into three ideals. While one group supported Yashasvi Jaiswal as the next captain, the other wanted Riyan Parag and the third group was in favour of Sanju Samson continuing in the post.

In this article, we analyse who, between Jaiswal and Parag, would be the better future leader for the Royals if Sanju Samson leaves the franchise.

Riyan Parag's Leadership Case

Riyan Parag comes across as a genuine candidate for captaincy. The all-rounder has won 10 of the 17 games while leading Assam in the T20 format, an impressive win percentage of 58.80%.

The Royals have shown trust in his leadership DNA, which is evident from their appointment at the helm in the absence of Sanju Samson. Although his numbers as a captain in IPL are disappointing. The Royals have only won 2 out of 8 matches under him. This puts his position as the future leader in doubts.

Jaiswal's Compelling Advantage

At the other end of the spectrum is Yashasvi Jaiswal, a perfect embodiement that Royals would require in their next leader. He has been their main batter for the last few seasons, and this would naturally command respect from his teammates, establishing him as a leader from the front.

Besides his show in the IPL, Jaiswal has established himself as an indispensable part of the Indian team in Test cricket and their plans in white-ball formats. Considering his consistency at the highest level, some have even projected him as the future Indian captain. This international profile adds credibility to Jaiswal's case, something Parag currently lacks. 

The pressure-handling ability of Jaiswal also stands out. From delivering since his intial days in international cricket to scoring runs under pressure in IPL, he has shown that the best in him comes out when the stakes are highest.

Conclusion

Riyan Parag definitely brings experience as a captain to the table, but experience without result is just expensive education. His 25% win rate as a captain in IPL severly weakens his case for the post.

The Royals cannot afford another exodus. After losing Dravid and the probable departure of Samson, alienating their most valuable asset could be catastrophic.

Yashasvi Jaiswal represents stability, consistency and a powerhouse of potential. In an erea of IPL captains leading their team from the front, the southpaw ticks every box that Parag struggles with.

The choice at this stage seems clear for the inaugural IPL champions - back the proven performer to reclaim your glory days.