Kumar Sangakkara

Rajasthan Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara strongly backed captain Riyan Parag, praising his leadership despite criticism and a vaping controversy. Sangakkara highlighted Parag's respect among teammates and his potential for growth as a player and person. He also clarified Jofra Archer's IPL participation was a joint decision with the ECB, focusing on managing his bowling workload.

Rajasthan Royals secured their IPL 2026 playoff spot with a crucial 30-run victory over Mumbai Indians. Jofra Archer starred with a blistering 32 off 15 balls and a vital 3-wicket spell, earning him Player of the Match. Young spinner Yash Raj Punja also impressed with two wickets.

Rajasthan Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara emphasized an aggressive approach with line and length against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2026 Eliminator. He also backed captain Riyan Parag, praising his leadership despite past criticism, and confirmed Jofra Archer's IPL stay was a collective decision with the ECB.

A viral airport video of Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag and teenage star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi amused fans after Parag joked, “we're not flim stars!” and Vaibhav reacted with an awkward stare. The clip surfaced after RR reached the IPL 2026 playoffs. Coach Kumar Sangakkara backed Parag’s leadership despite criticism, while Vaibhav said he aims to break Chris Gayle’s T20 record and score 200.

Rajasthan Royals' 15-year-old batting sensation, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, is drawing significant fan attention with his aggressive style and impressive strike rate of 236.55. He has amassed 440 runs and smashed 40 sixes in 11 IPL games. Coaches emphasize letting him enjoy his batting while acknowledging the challenges of evolving against future opposition.

Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is electrifying IPL 2026 with his aggressive opening batting for Rajasthan Royals. He has set a new record for most sixes by an Indian in a single IPL season with 43. Coach Kumar Sangakkara emphasizes the youngster's impact and natural approach, focusing on his fearless intent over conversion rates.

Rajasthan Royals' 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi delivered a match-winning 93 off 38 balls, including 10 sixes, to chase down 221 against LSG. He reassured coach Sangakkara, stating, 'ho jayega,' and then proceeded to keep playoff hopes alive. Sooryavanshi also became the youngest Indian to hit 50 IPL sixes in a season.

Rajasthan Royals face a crucial final week in the IPL league phase, needing wins to secure a playoff spot after two consecutive defeats. Their bowling discipline is a major concern, having conceded over 200 runs in their last four games. The team is looking to Jofra Archer and their bowling combination to improve against Delhi Capitals.

Rajasthan's 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, an Impact Player, faces scrutiny from former India players for not fielding. Assistant coach Trevor Penny defends the decision, citing Sooryavanshi's fielding skills and the strategy to keep him fresh for his explosive batting, which has impressed many.

Jofra Archer endured a disastrous opening over against Gujarat Titans, conceding 18 runs in an 11-ball spell marked by wides and a no-ball. Visibly frustrated, the pacer's struggles prompted Rajasthan Royals coach Kumar Sangakkara to intervene. The chaotic over saw Gujarat Titans openers capitalize on Archer's wayward bowling.

Rajasthan Royals players struggled with catches under the new LED floodlights at Sawai Mansingh Stadium during their match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Coach Kumar Sangakkara said the brighter lights improved visibility but created glare issues for fielders. Ground authorities have since adjusted the lighting direction to help players adapt better.

Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag has been fined 25% of his match fee and received one demerit point for using a vape in the dressing room. This incident follows a similar disciplinary breach by the team manager. Head coach Kumar Sangakkara acknowledged the negative reflection on the team and emphasized the importance of responsible behavior and adherence to franchise values.

The BCCI has warned IPL teams of stricter action for violating league rules after Rajasthan Royals faced controversies involving team manager Ravinder Singh Bhinder and captain Riyan Parag. Bhinder was fined for using a mobile phone near the dugout, while Parag was penalised for vaping in the dressing room. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said the board is reviewing IPL protocols, while RR coach Kumar Sangakkara said the issues had been addressed internally.

Shubham Dubey, a 31-year-old cricketer, seized his long-awaited opportunity with a match-winning unbeaten 31 off 12 balls. His explosive innings, coupled with Donovan Ferreira's support, secured a stunning six-wicket victory for Rajasthan Royals against Punjab Kings. Dubey's journey from humble beginnings to IPL success highlights his remarkable resilience and power-hitting prowess.

In a surprising turn of events, Rajasthan Royals have hit another snag as their captain Riyan Parag was caught on camera indulging in vaping within the confines of the dressing room during a recent IPL fixture. BCCI officials are understood to be examining the footage. Insiders say the matter is likely to be dealt with under the IPL code of conduct. “There is no defined punishment in the IPL code of conduct. The BCCI will be seeking legal opinion,” a source said.

Rajasthan Royals coach Kumar Sangakkara urged batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to embrace both success and failure, emphasizing the importance of enjoying his game. Sangakkara's advice came after the 15-year-old experienced his first failure of the season, getting out on the first ball. The coach stressed that freedom and enjoyment are paramount for the young cricketer.

Rajasthan Royals' coach Kumar Sangakkara urges patience for 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, despite his explosive IPL start and recent setback. Sangakkara highlights Sooryavanshi's dedication and game sense, emphasizing that failures are part of cricket. He also praises Dhruv Jurel's impactful batting at number three and expresses confidence in captain Riyan Parag's form, even if runs aren't reflecting it yet.

Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag, reflecting on his journey to leadership, acknowledged the guidance of former captain Sanju Samson. Parag, who took over captaincy ahead of IPL 2026, expressed gratitude for the support received. Sunrisers Hyderabad skipper Ishan Kishan also discussed the impact of leadership on his game and team performance.

Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is electrifying the IPL with his audacious batting, fearlessly taking on top bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah. Rajasthan Royals' scouting efforts, spearheaded by Akshay Karanje and endorsed by Kumar Sangakkara, identified this prodigious talent, shifting the franchise's focus towards nurturing young stars for consistent performance and national benefit.

Riyan Parag steps into IPL 2026 as Rajasthan Royals captain amid intense scrutiny and past trolling. Backed by the franchise after a rigorous selection process, the 24-year-old faces a defining season. Inspired by Hardik Pandya’s journey and focused on team success, Parag aims to silence critics and revive his chances of returning to the Indian team.

Rajasthan Royals face a setback as Sam Curran is out of IPL 2026 due to injury. Dasun Shanaka has been signed as his replacement. Shanaka brings T20 experience and all-round ability. The Royals begin their campaign against Chennai Super Kings on March 30. They will then play Gujarat Titans, Mumbai Indians, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Former India pacer Lakshmipathy Balaji expressed surprise at Rajasthan Royals' decision to name Riyan Parag captain for IPL 2026. He called the move a gamble, noting the presence of more seasoned players. Balaji believes Riyan's leadership will be a learning opportunity under coach Kumar Sangakkara. He also stressed the importance of consistency for young talent Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

IPL 2026 begins March 28 with Royal Challengers Bengaluru facing Sunrisers Hyderabad. All teams have finalised coaching staffs featuring experienced names. Andy Flower leads RCB, Stephen Fleming heads CSK, while Mahela Jayawardene guides MI. Other teams also boast strong coaching setups, setting the stage for a competitive season.

Rajasthan Royals usher in a new era with Riyan Parag as captain and Kumar Sangakkara as coach, aiming to rebound from a dismal last season. Parag acknowledges the void left by former captain Sanju Samson, emphasising the difficulty of replacing such a player. He also urged young prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to play freely, free from social media pressure.