Rajasthan Royals may have just dropped a massive hint about their captaincy plans for IPL 2026, with all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja emerging as the frontrunner to succeed Sanju Samson in the leadership role. A recent social media post by the franchise has left fans buzzing with speculation that the veteran all-rounder, who joined RR in a trade deal with Chennai Super Kings ahead of the auction, could be handed the captain’s armband.

Social media post sparks captaincy speculation

While there has been considerable chatter surrounding the captaincy situation at Rajasthan Royals, with young stars Yashasvi Jaiswal and Riyan Parag both emerging as solid options, experts and fans have backed Jadeja to take over from Samson. The franchise’s cryptic social media post has only fueled the speculation, with many interpreting it as a hint toward Jadeja’s appointment.

Jadeja previously played for Rajasthan Royals from 2008 to 2009 before spending over a decade with Chennai Super Kings, where he became one of the IPL’s most consistent all-rounders. His return to RR has been met with excitement, and his leadership credentials—having captained CSK briefly in 2022—make him a natural choice for the role.

Pune likely to host Rajasthan Royals home games

In another major development, the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Pune is likely to host a few Rajasthan Royals home games in IPL 2026, sources familiar with the matter told IANS on Friday.

IANS had previously reported in November that RR and defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) were in the reckoning to get the venue in Gahunje as their home venue ahead of IPL 2026. RR had even conducted an inspection of the stadium and an initial recce of nearby facilities.

“Things are going very close for both MCA and RR to close the deal. Many discussions are going on, so this is likely to be a reality,” sources said.

Tensions with Rajasthan Cricket Association

RR’s decision to move some of their home matches away from their primary venue at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur arises from ongoing disagreements with the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA).

Tensions escalated in IPL 2025 when an RCA official leveled match-fixing allegations against the franchise, something RR categorically denied while calling for strict action against the individual concerned. As of now, RCA is run by an adhoc committee headed by Deen Dayal Kumawat, and it is understood that the lack of stability within the association will also be a major factor in RR playing its home games in Pune.

RR, the IPL 2008 winners, also have another home ground at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.

“It’s like a matter of time now for this announcement to come anytime soon from the BCCI,” said another source tracking the development to IANS.

Pune’s IPL hosting history

The MCA Stadium in Pune has hosted men’s international games in all formats, including the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup and the Women’s T20 Challenge. In the IPL, it has been the home ground for Pune Warriors India, Rising Pune Supergiant, Punjab Kings, and Chennai Super Kings at various timelines during the 2010s.

With RR likely to make Pune one of their home venues and Jadeja potentially taking over as captain, the franchise appears set for a major shakeup ahead of IPL 2026.