![Riyan Parag in IPL 2026 [Source: AP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1779698536286_riyanparagrajasthanroyals.jpg?type=hq)
Riyan Parag in IPL 2026 [Source: AP]
Rajasthan Royals steamrolled Mumbai Indians by 30 runs in their final league match of the IPL 2026 season. The outcome helped Royals become the fourth and final team this year to qualify for the IPL 2026 playoffs, knocking out Punjab Kings and KKR in the process.
Captain Riyan Parag himself has ably led his team from the front, scoring quick runs in the middle order and tactically marshalling his troops on the field.
Under his leadership, the franchise secured seven wins and five defeats from 12 games. With Yashasvi Jaiswal leading the side in the remaining two matches, the Royals reached 16 points by the end of the league stage to make it to the top four.
Skipper Parag has now received a significant praise from none other than current head coach and all-time great Kumar Sangakkara.
The former Sri Lanka captain is of the opinion that the 24-year-old is “absolutely the right guy” to lead the Rajasthan Royals franchise, and he will only get better in future seasons.
Kumar Sangakkara hints Riyan Parag’s future with Royals
Rajasthan Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara has indirectly hinted that Riyan Parag will continue to lead the franchise for few more years after the ongoing IPL 2026 season.
The Sri Lankan batting great believes that Parag is “absolutely” the right guy to lead the team, and he will keep learning new tricks of the trade with time.
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While speaking with the reporters during the post-match press conference after Royals’ huge win over Mumbai Indians, Sangakkara said “When we decided to offer Riyan Parag the captaincy, he is the absolute right guy to lead this franchise. I have no doubt in my mind. And having watched him, yes, he will grow. He will mature. He will understand himself a lot more. He will learn to understand his players a lot more.”
Sangakkara added “If you look at the calls he makes as captain, the confidence with which he drives himself, almost on one foot sometimes to come and play, there's a huge amount of positivity. I think he's captained exceptionally well. And when he's in that dressing room, he's got the respect of all the players and the staff. That's all you can ask for.”
Riyan Parag's performance as Rajasthan Royals captain in IPL 2026
Riyan Parag was appointed as full-time Rajasthan Royals captain prior to the IPL 2026 season, following the exit of longtime skipper Sanju Samson. Under his leadership, the team started off with four wins upfront, before losing track and winning just two of their next six games.
The 24-year-old was ruled out of the playing XI owing to an injury concern against Gujarat Titans and LSG earlier this month, prompting Yashasvi Jaiswal to take over as captain.
Overall, the franchise registered eight wins and sustained six defeats from 14 games to finish fourth on the IPL 2026 points table.
Royals crush Mumbai Indians in must-win game
Taking on Mumbai Indians in Mumbai in a must-win game at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, May 24; the Rajasthan Royals secured a comprehensive 30-run win to edge out KKR and Punjab Kings.
Batting first, the Royals mounted 205-8 in 20 overs despite losing early wickets. In response, Jofra Archer (3-17), Brijesh Sharma (2-26) and Nandre Burger (2-43) restricted the hosts to just 175-9.
Should RR persist with Riyan Parag as captain?
Akash's thoughts
Ever since becoming captain, Riyan Parag has not only silenced doubts around his leadership credentials but also showcased his ability of steering Rajasthan Royals into a new era.
With backing from a stalwart like Kumar Sangakkara and tangible results on the field, the 24-year-old appears well-positioned to shape the franchise’s future for years to come.
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