Kumar Sangakkara Backs Riyan Parag as Rajasthan Royals Captain After IPL Playoff Qualification
Sangakkara Supports Parag's Leadership
Kumar Sangakkara, the Head Coach and Director of Cricket for Rajasthan Royals, has expressed his unwavering support for captain Riyan Parag, labeling him as the 'absolute right guy' for the role. This endorsement comes after the team secured a spot in the IPL 2026 playoffs with a victory over the Mumbai Indians (MI) on Sunday.
The Royals triumphed over MI by 30 runs in Mumbai, ensuring their playoff position. They currently hold the fourth spot on the IPL 2026 points table and are set to compete against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Eliminator match on Wednesday. Rajasthan began their IPL 2026 journey strongly, winning four consecutive matches, but faced challenges mid-season, managing only two wins in their next eight games, which led to scrutiny of Parag's captaincy.
Confidence in Parag's Growth
Sangakkara conveyed his complete faith in Parag's capabilities as a leader, emphasizing that he is the ideal choice to guide the team. He noted that Parag will continue to evolve, gaining a deeper understanding of himself and his teammates through experience. "When we decided to appoint Riyan as captain, I had no doubts he was the right person for this franchise. I believe he will grow and mature, learning to better understand both himself and his players," Sangakkara stated during the post-match press conference following the MI game.
Praise for Parag's Leadership Skills
Sangakkara further commended Parag's leadership qualities, highlighting his decisive decision-making, determination, and positive mindset. He remarked that Parag has led exceptionally well, earning the respect of both players and support staff. "His confidence in making calls as captain is evident, and he brings a lot of positivity to the team. He has commanded respect in the dressing room, which is crucial for any captain," Sangakkara added.
Addressing Criticism Faced by Parag
Despite his successes, Parag has often faced criticism, particularly during the team's less favorable performances. Sangakkara acknowledged the intense scrutiny Parag has endured over the years, especially on social media, describing it as part of the modern sports landscape. "Riyan has faced criticism like few others for about seven years now. Since I joined the franchise, there have always been supporters and detractors, particularly online. This is the reality of today's game," he explained.
Sangakkara emphasized that Parag is a talented and determined young player who will continue to develop as a captain, batter, and individual with the franchise's backing. He portrayed Parag as gentle, intelligent, and more mature than public perception suggests, expressing pride in his progress. "The next few years will be crucial for building a strong relationship with Riyan and supporting his growth as a captain and player. He is a wonderful young man, and what you see on the outside doesn't fully capture who he is. I am very proud of his journey," he concluded.