The Rajasthan Royals, according to the latest reports, are planning to make a big change in the leadership for IPL 2026. The Royals are likely to trade their skipper Sanju Samson to Chennai Super Kings and are possibly looking to replace him with Dhruv Jurel or Yashasvi Jaiswal. His reported move to CSK has already created huge buzz as reports suggest RR have asked for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran in return. If the trade goes through, Rajasthan will be looking for a new leader, and both Jurel and Jaiswal have emerged as the leading candidates for the captaincy role. Jurel Ahead of Jaiswal in Captaincy Race According to a report by TOI, Dhruv Jurel is the frontrunner to become the next captain of RR. It is true that he and Jaiswal are young and talented and have shown immense promise for this franchise, but Jurel has all-round abilities that give him a slight advantage. If he is not batting, then he is a good keeper who can see the game very well from behind the stumps. Jurel is also said to enjoy a strong relationship with RR's head coach, Kumar Sangakkara, and this also seems to be one of the major factors that is attracting management towards him. Interestingly, Riyan Parag, who filled in for the captaincy of RR during IPL 2025, has not been considered this time too as a captain. Many would find this to be a surprise because fans would have expected Parag to once again head up the team in the absence of Samson. Also Read | MS Dhoni Signs Fan’s Royal Enfield, Confirms IPL 2026 Return Jurel's Consistency Strengthens His Case Dhruv Jurel had a season to remember in IPL 2025, scoring 333 runs at an average of 37 and a strike rate of 156.34. He played many important knocks under pressure and proved his worth as a match-winner. Jurel's promotion, if he is made captain, could help balance the team's composition. Since Jaiswal would primarily focus on his batting, the team can utilize him as an impact substitute for a bowler whenever needed. This strategy would help reduce Jaiswal's workload while giving Jurel the full responsibility of leading the side. As the IPL 2026 season draws closer, all eyes will be on whether Sanju Samson's trade to CSK goes through and if Dhruv Jurel will officially take over as Rajasthan Royals' next captain.