Not Riyan Parag! Pundit Says 38-Year-Old Could Be RR Captain If Sanju Samson Leaves

Not Riyan Parag! Pundit Says 38-Year-Old Could Be RR Captain If Sanju Samson Leaves

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Last Updated: August 09, 2025, 14:19 IST

Aakash Chopra suggests this 38-year-old star could lead Rajasthan Royals if Sanju Samson leaves.

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Riyan Parag captained RR to two wins in IPL 2025. (Picture Credit: Sportzpics)

Former India batter Aakash Chopra believes that if Sanju Samson were to leave the Rajasthan Royals (RR) this season, Ravichandran Ashwin could be a good choice to lead the franchise. Chopra’s comments were in light of rumors that Samson has conveyed his eagerness to look for a challenge beyond RR, and Ashwin has asked for the same at Chennai Super Kings (CSK), though it’s not confirmed that the two teams are up for a switch.

Samson missed five of the 14 league stage games in IPL 2025 and didn’t captain in three more. Riyan Parag, 23, led the team in his absence but couldn’t impress much, overseeing only two wins in eight games. There are other options in RR’s young core, like Yashasvi Jaiswal who is said to have been harboring captaincy ambitions, and Dhruv Jurel, but neither has enough experience to make them a clear first-choice.

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“RR’s captain might come to CSK, although he might not become the captain, as Ruturaj Gaikwad might remain the captain, but Ashwin could go to Rajasthan and become their captain because they need a captain," Chopra said in a video on his YouTube channel. “I was thinking who could become Rajasthan’s captain if Sanju leaves. Dhruv Jurel, not ready and very, very young. Yashasvi Jaiswal, of course, has captaincy aspirations, but I don’t think they will invest in him now. Riyan Parag was okay, okay last season. So it may just work out beautifully," he observed.

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CSK are said to be the most interested in bringing in Sanju, probably to ensure a succession plan for when MS Dhoni decides to call it quits. However, RR have reportedly asked a couple of players in exchange for Samson, but it is uncertain if CSK would agree.

“Sanju in yellow, so the keeping future is ready," Chopra said. “Then MS Dhoni can do whatever he feels like. RR need an off-spinner as well because (Wanindu) Hasaranga and (Maheesh) Theekshana haven’t done the job that much. So they would get that and a captain, and everything looks alright. I feel that can happen," he added.

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First Published: August 09, 2025, 14:19 IST

News cricket Not Riyan Parag! Pundit Says 38-Year-Old Could Be RR Captain If Sanju Samson Leaves

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