Rajasthan Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara has thrown his weight behind struggling batter Riyan Parag, asserting that the team management has full confidence in his abilities despite a string of low scores in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season.
Parag's Form Under Scrutiny
Riyan Parag, who has been a part of the Rajasthan Royals setup for several seasons, has found it difficult to make an impact with the bat in IPL 2026. In the matches played so far, the Assam-born cricketer has managed only 89 runs in seven innings at an average of 12.71, with a highest score of 27. His strike rate of 118.66 has also raised concerns among fans and pundits, leading to questions about his place in the playing XI.
However, Sangakkara, the former Sri Lankan captain and current Royals head coach, has made it clear that the franchise is not looking to make any hasty decisions regarding Parag's future in the team. Speaking at a press conference ahead of the team's next fixture, Sangakkara emphasized the importance of patience and long-term planning.
Sangakkara's Unwavering Support
“Riyan is a talented young player, and we have seen his potential in the past. It is not uncommon for cricketers to go through a rough patch, and what matters is how we support them during such times,” Sangakkara said. “The team management and I have complete faith in his abilities. We believe he can come back stronger and contribute significantly to the team's success.”
Sangakkara also highlighted Parag's contributions in other facets of the game, including his part-time off-spin bowling and athletic fielding. “He is a valuable asset for us, not just with the bat but also with the ball and in the field. We are confident that he will find his rhythm soon,” he added.
Team's Strategy and Future Plans
The Rajasthan Royals have been known for backing young talents, and Parag's situation is no different. The franchise has a history of investing in promising players and giving them ample opportunities to prove themselves. Sangakkara reiterated that the team's strategy revolves around building a strong core group of players for the future.
“We are not just thinking about this season; we are looking at the bigger picture. Riyan is an integral part of our plans, and we will continue to back him. It is important for young players to feel secure and know that the team has their back,” Sangakkara explained.
The head coach also urged fans and critics to be patient with Parag, noting that even the best players have faced lean patches in their careers. “Cricket is a game of ups and downs. What defines a player is how they respond to challenges. I have no doubt that Riyan will bounce back,” he said.
Parag's Response
Meanwhile, Riyan Parag has remained focused on his training and is working closely with the coaching staff to iron out technical flaws. The 24-year-old has been putting in extra hours at the nets, trying to regain his form. Sources within the team indicate that Parag is determined to silence his critics with performances in the upcoming matches.
Rajasthan Royals are currently placed in the middle of the points table and will be looking to secure crucial wins in the remaining league matches. With Sangakkara's backing, Parag will be hoping to repay the faith shown in him by the team management.
