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.