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RR appointed Riyan Parag as skipper ahead of IPL 2026. This was after Sanju Samson was traded to CSK. In fact, in IPL 2025, Parag was the interim skipper as Samson was injured. Parag’s IPL record is not over the top as the man has scored just 1773 runs in 94 games at an average of 25.70 and strike rate of 142.07. In 2024, he found his best form and scored 573 runs at a strike rate of 149.22. In 2025, Parag made 393 runs with a strike rate of 166.53. IPL 2026 has seen him struggle with the bat and also get into a controversy for vaping in the dressing room.

Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar is baffled as to how Parag was named skipper. He also hinted that many players may have left due to the change in leadership. Manjrekar praised Parag’s self-confidence but emphasised that he did not earn the captaincy.

“I was actually intrigued by Riyan Parag. I used to be amazed that there’s a guy in this team who plays consistently with an average of 11 and with a low strike-rate. I used to wonder what gets the franchise to keep picking him. He would get dropped in one-odd game, but they continued to back him. Then he had a breakthrough season where people could see the talent. I thought, ‘finally,’ and that a franchise showing patience too. It is a case which I have never understood. The only conclusion I can draw is that the franchise really liked Riyan Parag as a talent, personality; they saw leadership qualities as well and backed him. Talent is something everybody has – it’s about delivering the potential. When you look at the seasons he has had, it makes you wonder what RR see in him and why they continue to back a guy who has obvious talent (but) with the returns that he has shown over the years" he told Sportstar.

“I just wonder whether the migration of certain players from RR to other franchises has something to do with the choice of leadership that RR owners decided. What catches your eye with Riyan Parag is the unbelievable self-confidence he shows. Even when he was not delivering – if you saw him in the field and the kind of stuff he did. It was just almost arrogance for somebody who was struggling to fit in or deliver. His confidence seems to be genuine; it doesn’t seem to be put on. The franchise backing him helps but without the performances," he added.

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“He’s quite a character. He is not one of your typical Indian players. He’s fit and just the way he walks around and everything, struts around. But I would say, after the kind of performances I’ve seen – it is something that I find a little strange that the Rajasthan Royals have backed him so much. I mean, Sanju Samson captained them for a few years, and then he was removed, and Riyan Parag took over. I don’t know what happened there. But I don’t think from a cricketing point of view, it makes any sense at all. It’s a bit harsh to say this, but he’s just got too much as a reward not having really worked hard for those rewards. So, it’s a very interesting case pertaining to the Rajasthan Royals," he went on to say.

RR are currently 4th on the points table with six wins and four losses in 10 games. Their next match is vs GT on May 9. With 12 points, they are well poised to finish in the top four and aim for a 2nd IPL title. RR were the 1st-ever champions in 2008. They played the final in 2022 but lost.