The winds of change are blowing through the Rajasthan Royals camp. With blockbuster trade rumors suggesting captain Sanju Samson could be on his way out—possibly to Chennai Super Kings—the franchise is already deep in discussions about his successor. According to insider reports, two young Indian stars are front-runners for the coveted armband: wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel and explosive opener Yashasvi Jaiswal .
And the final call? It may come from none other than franchise mentor Kumar Sangakkara, who’s actively consulting with owners to ensure the next Rajasthan Royals captaincy choice aligns with a long-term vision—not just short-term results.
Table of Contents
- Sanju Samson Trade Sets the Stage
- Rajasthan Royals Captaincy Contenders
- Why Dhruv Jurel Could Be the Ideal Choice
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: The Young Gun with Leadership Potential
- Sangakkara’s Pivotal Role in the Decision
- What This Means for IPL 2026
- Conclusion
- Sources
Sanju Samson Trade Sets the Stage
Sanju Samson has been the face of Rajasthan Royals since 2021, leading the team to the IPL final in 2022 and consistently delivering with the bat. But with CSK reportedly eyeing him as a potential Dhoni successor, a trade involving big names like Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran could soon become reality .
If Samson departs, RR won’t just lose a captain—they’ll lose their emotional anchor. That’s why the franchise is acting swiftly, not waiting until the last minute. Leadership continuity is critical, especially with IPL 2026 just months away.
Rajasthan Royals Captaincy Contenders
With the Rajasthan Royals captaincy suddenly up for grabs, two names are dominating internal discussions:
- Dhruv Jurel – India’s rising wicketkeeper, known for his calm demeanor, tactical awareness, and match-winning knocks under pressure.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal – A prodigious talent with a fearless approach, already a star in Test cricket and a consistent top-order force in the IPL.
Both are under 24, homegrown Indian assets, and embody the Royals’ “future-first” philosophy. But their leadership styles couldn’t be more different—which is exactly why the decision is so challenging.
Why Dhruv Jurel Could Be the Ideal Choice
Jurel may not have the flamboyance of Samson, but he brings something equally valuable: composure.
As a wicketkeeper, he’s on the field for every ball, giving him a 360-degree view of the game. He’s shown exceptional decision-making during India’s limited-overs tours, and his innings in high-stakes domestic matches (like his 90* in a Ranji Trophy semifinal) reveal a steely mindset .
Moreover, Jurel has trained under MS Dhoni during India camps and openly credits him for teaching him “how to lead from behind the stumps.” That mentorship could translate perfectly to the Royals’ setup—especially if the team leans into a more balanced, strategic brand of cricket post-Samson.
Yashasvi Jaiswal: The Young Gun with Leadership Potential
On the other side stands Yashasvi Jaiswal—a player who’s already broken records before turning 23. He captained Mumbai in age-group cricket and led by example with both bat and energy.
His aggressive batting at the top sets the tone for RR’s innings, and his fielding injects relentless intensity. While he hasn’t formally captained an IPL side, his natural charisma and on-field presence make him a compelling candidate for a modern, attacking T20 team .
Choosing Jaiswal would signal a bold, youth-driven direction—perfect for a franchise that prides itself on spotting and nurturing raw talent.
Sangakkara’s Pivotal Role in the Decision
Ultimately, the final call on the Rajasthan Royals captaincy may rest with mentor Kumar Sangakkara. The Sri Lankan legend, who’s held advisory roles at multiple franchises, is deeply involved in RR’s long-term planning.
Sources close to the management say Sangakkara favors a captain who can “grow into the role over 3–4 seasons,” not just fill a gap. He’s reportedly evaluating both Jurel and Jaiswal not just on current form, but on emotional intelligence, communication skills, and tactical curiosity—traits he values above raw performance .
For deeper insights into how franchises build leadership pipelines, explore our guide on [INTERNAL_LINK:ipl-captaincy-development-strategies].
What This Means for IPL 2026
Whoever takes over will inherit a talented but volatile squad. The new captain will need to manage big personalities like Jos Buttler, Riyan Parag, and Trent Boult—while also integrating young guns from the academy.
Fans can track official updates on squad changes and captaincy announcements via the IPL’s official website, the most authoritative source for all things IPL.
Conclusion
The potential departure of Sanju Samson marks a turning point for the Rajasthan Royals. But rather than panic, the franchise is treating it as an opportunity to invest in the next generation. Whether it’s the calm command of Dhruv Jurel or the fiery ambition of Yashasvi Jaiswal, the next Rajasthan Royals captaincy era promises to be just as compelling—if not more so. And with Kumar Sangakkara guiding the process, RR fans can be confident the decision will be made with legacy, not just headlines, in mind.
Sources
- Times of India: IPL 2026 | Who after Samson? Jurel, Jaiswal front runners for RR’s captaincy .
- ESPNCricinfo: Dhruv Jurel & Yashasvi Jaiswal IPL Profiles [[3], [4]].
- IPL Official Website: Franchise Leadership & Player Guidelines.