Mohammad Kaif picks RR skipper for IPL 2026 season

Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif has picked Yashasvi Jaiswal to lead Rajasthan Royals in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League. Jaiswal has performed consistently in the lucrative tournament and if the franchise gives him the leadership, then it would be a long-term investment.

Meanwhile, reports suggest that RR skipper Sanju Samson is all set to move to Chennai Super Kings ahead of the next edition. CSK will trade all-rounders Sam Curran and Ravindra Jadeja in place of Samson. 

In fact, Riyan Parag had led the inaugural champions for the majority of IPL 2025 as Samson was injured.

On the other hand, Jaiswal had scored 559 runs in 14 matches of the previous season and he was the franchise’s top run-getter.

Mohammad Kaif said on his YouTube Channel, “See, Riyan Parag has been playing for a few years, but Jaiswal has the international experience (to lead the side). You can’t write off that. In my opinion, he should be the captain. It’s because wherever he goes around the world, he’s scoring runs.”

“His [Jaiswal] bad luck is that he’s not been able to play in T20Is and ODIs for India. He’s ready, but there are, of course, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Shubman Gill. So, he’ll have to wait. But he has done everything with the bat. Jaiswal has more experience under pressure in terms of international exposure. Even if they make Parag, they should give him time,” he added.

Kaif also questioned the Rajasthan Royals’ decision to let go of their head coach, Rahul Dravid. The Natwest Trophy final hero said the franchise won’t get a coach like Dravid.

“Dravid’s leaving is a big loss for the Rajasthan Royals because wins and losses happen. You can’t play well every year. Talking about Rahul Dravid, he guided India to the 2024 T20 World Cup a few months back. He did exceptionally well with Rohit Sharma… He has made himself with time. Dravid has an old-style coaching, and that’s why he could work with Rohit Sharma.”

“Things can go up or down with a young player, despite how talented one may be. Of course, RR would promote Riyan Parag, but they have let go of big players – Sanju Samson and even bigger Rahul Dravid. You won’t find a coach like him,” he added.

RR would look to fill in the missing void in the upcoming IPL 2026 mini auction.