Riyan Parag to lose Rajasthan Royals captaincy after ownership change

Riyan Parag is reportedly facing the loss of the Rajasthan Royals captaincy ahead of IPL 2027 following a major ownership transition. According to journalist Sahil Malhotra, the franchise's new owners are rumored to be planning to replace Parag with opening batter Yashasvi Jaiswal. Parag had assumed leadership after Sanju Samson was traded to Chennai Super Kings, guiding the Royals to the IPL 2026 playoffs before losing in Qualifier 2.

The leadership review follows the Lakshmi Mittal family and Adar Poonawalla acquiring a majority stake in the Royals sports group for USD 1.65 billion in May 2026. Parag holds a captaincy record of 10 wins in 22 matches and was also fined 25 percent of his match fee during IPL 2026 for a dressing room vaping violation.