All RR captains over the years 2008-2026 (Source: APF)
The Rajasthan Royals have stepped into a new era, appointing Riyan Parag as the new captain ahead of IPL 2026. On February 12, 2026, the RR management made an announcement revealing their new designated skipper.
24-year-old Riyan Parag replaces Sanju Samson, who was traded to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) before IPL 2026, after a successful period with the Rajasthan-based franchise. It is important to note that the Royals decided to sideline the likes of Yashaswi Jaiswal, even Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran, who were traded earlier from CSK in return for Samson.
Thus, Riyan Parag becomes the 7th captain of the Rajasthan Royals, who are still without a trophy since 2008, the inaugural champions.
That being said, in this article, we take a look at all RR captains over the years from 2008 to 2026.
First captain of Rajasthan Royals - Shane Warne (2008-2011)
Australian legend and the maestro of right-arm leg-spin, Shane Warne, was the Rajasthan Royals’ first captain. In the inaugural season of the Indian Premier League in 2008, the RR management went with Warne for the amount of experience and mastery he brought to the table.
Indeed, as the first-ever RR captain, he laid the foundation to capture the ultimate glory by winning the inaugural IPL. Under his leadership, the team aimed to groom a bunch of young, talented, yet inexperienced domestic players.
Notably, from 2008 to 2011, Warne led the franchise in 56 games, winning 31, holding the record for the most wins as an RR captain before Sanju Samson broke it in the 18th edition of the IPL.
Most successful RR captain - Rahul Dravid (57.50 win%)
As of February 2026, former India head coach Rahul Dravid is the most successful captain for the Rajasthan-based franchise with a win percentage of 57.50. He has won 23 out of his 40 matches as skipper with a win percentage of 57.50.
Interestingly, Rahul Dravid was the Rajasthan Royals’ oldest captain when he took over the reins at the age of 39 in IPL 2012. Taking over the reins from legendary Shane Warne, Dravid carried the baton forward with the same vision of nurturing young prodigies.
Moreover, ahead of the IPL 2025, Rahul Dravid returned to the Royals as the franchise’s head coach.
FAQs: All RR Captains
Q.1. How many captains of RR are there?
Ans. Riyan Parag is set to become the 7th RR captain, adding his name to the legacy of players like Shane Warne, Rahul Dravid, Shane Watson, Steve Smith, Ajinkya Rahane, and Sanju Samson.
Q.2. Who is the new captain of RR?
Ans. As announced on Feb 13, 2026, Riyan Parag replaces Sanju Samson as the new captain of the Rajasthan Royals (RR) for IPL 2026. Previously, the 24-year-old batting all-rounder, who briefly led the franchise in IPL 2025, was chosen for the role by the newly appointed head coach, Kumar Sangakkara.
Q.3. Why is Sanju not the captain of RR?
Ans. In early IPL 2025 matches, Sanju Samson was temporarily replaced as captain by Riyan Parag due to a finger injury and a lack of medical clearance for fielding/keeping, forcing him to play only as a batter or Impact Player. However, ahead of the IPL 2026, Parag has officially replaced Sanju as the new captain, following his transfer to the Chennai Super Kings.
All RR captains over the years 2008-2026 (Source: APF)
