Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag reckons former skipper Sanju Samson can’t be compared to anyone else ahead of IPL 2026. Parag said former RR opener can not be replaced in the playing XI just like Virat Kohli.

Samson was traded out to Chennai Super Kings by Rajasthan Royals in exchange for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. 

Meanwhile, Samson has been in rich form and he would look to carry the same in the forthcoming tournament.

Samson returned with scores of 97(50), 89(42), and 89(46) in the virtual quarterfinals, semifinal and final of the T20 World Cup, respectively. The right-hander was awarded Player of the tournament after he scored 321 runs in five matches at an average of 80.25 and a strike rate of 199.38.

Parag said while talking to the media on Thursday, “Sanju’s game is unique; he cannot be compared to anyone else. It is like asking, ‘Who is Virat Kohli’s replacement?’ — it simply isn’t possible. However, every player plays to win, and everyone has different capabilities.”

Meanwhile, Samson has scored 4704 runs in 177 IPL matches at an average of 177 and a strike rate of 139.04. 

On the other hand, Parag admitted they were not at their best in the fag end of IPL 2025 as they kept losing matches.

“We were losing matches in the final stages. Had we played with more freedom — or managed to hit a boundary at a crucial moment, or prevented the opposition from doing so — we would have progressed further. This time, we are addressing and rectifying those mistakes,” said Riyan Parag (via the aforementioned source).

Parag said he has high expectations from veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who has all the experience under his belt.

“We have a good combination of spin and pace bowlers. In batting too, there is a proper mix of right- and left-handers. We have high expectations from Ravindra Jadeja; he is a magnificent all-rounder.”

RR will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against CSK at Guwahati on 30th March.