Rift Between Riyan Parag And Kumar Sangakkara? Fans Speculate After RR Captain Drop Vs LSG

TR on Riyan Parag's absence against LSG. [Source - X]

In a significant development, Rajasthan Royals’ Riyan Parag did not appear for the toss against LSG in Match 64 of IPL 2026 in Jaipur. Yashasvi Jaiswal walked out as captain, replacing Parag in a surprising move.

This is unexpected as Riyan Parag played the previous game, scoring a brilliant half-century after returning from a hamstring injury. Fans are shocked online since he showed no signs of discomfort, making his omission from the playing XI against LSG even more puzzling.

The match is crucial for Rajasthan Royals’ playoffs qualification in IPL 2026. Parag’s absence immediately grabbed attention on social media, with fans speculating and reacting strongly to the decision, sharing their thoughts on his sudden exclusion against LSG.

Here are some of the best online reactions from fans on Riyan Parag not featuring in RR's playing XI vs LSG.

r1shab🇮🇳

@rishabgargalt

Rift between Riyan and Sangakara?

Nirmal Jyothi

@majornirmal

Riyan Parag dropped after venting out his frustrations against the team. #LSGvsRR

Sujoy

@SujoyBarg07

Riyan Parag not playing. Is all well between Him and RR management? I think Vaibhav will come as impact ..

Karanveer Kathuria

@karanveerkv18

Why is Riyan Parag in the impact sub list if he has a niggle?

Raghav Gupta

@Raghavg175

Riyan parag in impact player list. Strange as jaiswal mentioned he has hamstring injury

Lucifer Morningstar

@LuciferM5245

@RRoyal_Reaper It's his test of captaincy too. They legit dropped riyan parag to give a free and fair chance to jaiswal in leading the team. They are lying about his hamstring injury cuz riyan is one of the impact player too. Hope he gets us qualified and also replace riyan in next IPL.

Z

@zhashank

RR have absolutely thrown Riyan Parag under the bus. He’s been clearly stripped off captaincy after his comments last game. If he’s injured why is he in impact sub list? He’s not coming in since Vaibhav is not in the starting 11. Utterly bizzare.

iThunder

@HiPrsm

Some rift between Riyan & Sangakkara?

Riyan Parag Not Featuring In RR's Playing XI Against LSG, Fans Speculate Rift With Sangakkara

Riyan Parag’s omission from Rajasthan Royals’ playing XI against LSG came as a shock to fans. Questions arose over his absence, especially after his recent performances and recovery from a hamstring injury, fueling speculation about tension with the team management.

Many observers noted that Parag appears to have been stripped of captaincy duties, replaced by Yashasvi Jaiswal. Fans suggested that this decision might indicate a rift with RR management, led by Sangakkara.

Also Read: Mohammed Shami Question Leaves Rishabh Pant Stumped Before LSG Vs RR IPL 2026 Match

Confusion grew as Riyan Parag remained listed as an impact player despite not being in the XI, with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi being the potential substitution in the second innings. Fans discussed that RR is allowing Jaiswal a leadership opportunity while sidelining Parag.

Fans are left wondering if Riyan Parag’s absence is purely tactical or connected to the verbal exchange he had in the last game. His exclusion has sparked widespread discussion, making it one of the biggest talking points of IPL 2026.

Why Riyan Parag Was Included in Impact Player List Despite Injury

Another point to note is that Riyan Parag was included in the Impact Player list despite his hamstring injury. Many assumed he would bat only, but with Rajasthan Royals batting second, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is expected to be the actual impact substitution.

Fans wondered why Parag was listed if he was not playing, since Sooryavanshi would clearly be the active Impact Player. This led to speculation about the strategy, as Parag’s presence on the list seemed confusing given his inability to take the field fully.

Also Read: India's Test Squad vs Afghanistan-  Ranji Trophy Top Performers Whom BCCI Overlooked

The reason lies in the new IPL 2026 rule. Only players named in the 16-member match squad which includes 5 impact players can enter the field. Being on the Impact Player list allows Parag to move around the field, support and guide teammates, even without actively batting or bowling.

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