RR Captain: Legacy and Leadership

Jatin∙ Updated: Dec 27 2024, 9:30 PM

RR Captain [Source: iplt20.com]RR Captain [Source: iplt20.com]

Rajasthan Royals (RR) have always been a team with a flair for the unpredictable. From the first season of the IPL, they’ve been the team to watch, not because they’re always the strongest, but because they’ve got this knack for pulling off the impossible.

From underdog wins to nail-biting finishes, or finding unknown talents and turning them into stars, RR has always been a team full of surprises. And at the heart of it all are their captains: some legends, some quiet heroes, but all unique in their own way. Let’s take a closer look at RR captains and their records.

History of RR Captains

Captain
Span
Matches
Won
Lost
Tied/ No Result
Win %
Best Finish
Shane Warne2008-20115631241/055.35Champions (2008)
Shane Watson2008-2015217112/133.33Playoffs (2015)
Rahul Dravid2012-20134023170/057.50Playoffs (2013)
Steve Smith2014-20202715110/155.558th place (2020)
Ajinkya Rahane2018-2019249150/037.50Playoffs (2018)
Sanju Samson2021-20246131290/150.81Runners-up (2022)

Iconic Captains of RR

Shane Warne

Shane Warne [Source: @academy_dinda/x.com]Shane Warne [Source: @academy_dinda/x.com]

Shane Warne is one of the legendary captains RR have had. When RR started their IPL journey in 2008, no one expected much. They didn’t have the biggest stars or the flashiest players. But Warne? He had magic up his sleeve. He led a team of young guns and underdogs straight to the IPL title in their debut season.

Warne wasn’t the kind of captain who gave long speeches. He inspired confidence with his trust and tactical genius. He’d set field placements that seemed crazy—until they worked. Under him, the team was fearless, taking on the big boys and coming out on top. That 2008 title win is still one of the most iconic moments in IPL history, and Warne was the mastermind behind it all.

Rahul Dravid

Rahul Dravid [Source: @IPL/x.com]Rahul Dravid [Source: @IPL/x.com]

When Rahul Dravid was appointed as RR captain in 2012, the franchise was in a rebuilding phase. They needed someone steady, someone who could guide the team through the ups and downs. Dravid was the perfect man for the job. Under his leadership, the Royals made it to the playoffs in 2013 and even reached the Champions League T20 final.

Dravid’s style was simple which was to focus on the basics and give the young players a platform to shine. He played a prominent role in nurturing future superstars like Sanju Samson and Ajinkya Rahane. Dravid wasn’t very aggressive but he was solid, and that’s exactly what the team needed at the time.

Sanju Samson

Sanju Samson [Source: iplt20.com]Sanju Samson [Source: iplt20.com]

Sanju Samson became RR’s captain in 2021, and since then, he’s been the face of the team. He’s not the loudest guy on the field, but his calmness and consistency have made a big difference. In 2022, Samson led the team to their first IPL final since 2008. They didn’t win, but it was a huge step forward for RR.

Samson’s captaincy is all about balance and he knows when to attack and when to defend. Furthermore, he’s been leading from the front with the bat, scoring runs when the team needs them most. He’s still young, and his captaincy journey feels like it’s just getting started. RR fans know there’s more to come from their skipper.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q.1. Who is the current captain of RR?

Answer: Sanju Samson is the current captain of the Rajasthan Royals. He’s been leading the team with confidence and style since 2021, and fans love his calm and steady approach on the field.

Q.2. When did Sanju become RR captain?

Answer: Sanju Samson was named captain of Rajasthan Royals in January 2021, just ahead of the 2021 IPL season. It was a big moment for him, and he’s been leading the team ever since.

Q.3. Why was RR banned?

Answer: Rajasthan Royals faced a ban because of controversy around inappropriate and fake bids during the team’s formation. It was later revealed that only two shareholders, Ranjit Barthakur and Fraser Castellino, were involved, and this wasn’t disclosed to the BCCI, which led to the ban.

Q.4. Who is the former captain of RR?

Answer: Rajasthan Royals have had several former captains, including legends like Shane Warne, Rahul Dravid, and Steve Smith. Each of them brought something unique to the team during their tenure.

Q.5. Who will be the captain of RR in 2025?

Answer: Sanju Samson is expected to continue as captain of RR in 2025. He’s been a key leader for the team and has consistently delivered both as a player and captain.