Ambati Rayudu believes Rajasthan Royals skipper Riyan Parag is already reaping the biggest reward of early captaincy: genuine buy-in from within the dressing room. The former Chennai Super Kings batter pointed to how the young leader has quickly earned trust and admiration from his teammates, even in the opening stages of his reign.
Rajasthan’s captaincy moment has come alongside a tight win. On April 4, RR edged Gujarat Titans by six runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium. After compiling 210/6, the Royals held their nerve to restrict GT to 204/8, completing a narrow but convincing finish in a high-pressure chase.
Quick facts
- Ambati Rayudu backed Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag for earning respect early in his leadership stint.
- RR beat Gujarat Titans by six runs on April 4 at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
- RR scored 210/6 and then defended 204/8 to win the match.
- Rayudu said Parag is getting support and freedom from the coaching staff and that the squad appears to be enjoying his leadership.
- Parag received the Rajasthan captaincy ahead of IPL 2026 after Sanju Samson moved to CSK.
- Rayudu noted Parag had prior captaincy exposure last season as a stand-in during Samson’s injury period.
- Aaron Finch highlighted that the lack of an “overshadowing” senior leader in the dressing room has helped Parag settle in.
- So far this season, RR have won both matches under Parag.
- Parag’s batting returns mentioned: 14* off 11 vs CSK and 8 vs GT.
- In the GT match, Parag also contributed with a wicket, dismissing Kumar Kushagra.
Speaking in a discussion, Rayudu said Parag’s handling of the role has looked effortless. He suggested that the coaching environment has allowed the captain to operate with confidence, and he highlighted the clear respect Parag seems to command among the group.
Rayudu stressed that the core challenge for a young skipper is not setting plans, but commanding authority in the changing-room—an area where he believes Parag is already succeeding. He added that the Royals’ players appear comfortable and enthusiastic, calling it a strong sign for a captain at the start of his journey.
Parag’s captaincy appointment is tied to a key franchise shift. He was named as skipper ahead of IPL 2026 after Sanju Samson moved to CSK. Before taking the full-time role, the 24-year-old did receive a taste of leadership duties last season, stepping in as stand-in captain during Samson’s injury spell.
Why Parag has settled in
Aaron Finch also weighed in on what makes Parag’s transition smoother. He pointed to one specific dynamic: with no established senior presence who would typically dominate leadership conversations, there is less chance of resentment and more room for the younger captain to guide the next stage.
Finch noted that when a young captain is handed the role, the dressing room can sometimes react to the absence of a clear pathway to leadership. In Parag’s case, Finch argued that the situation has worked in his favour, with the skipper able to steer a group of young superstars and help shape a strong upcoming cohort for Rajasthan.
Early results have reinforced that belief. Under Parag this season, Rajasthan have started strongly, winning both of their matches so far. While his batting output has been relatively modest—14* off 11 against CSK and 8 versus GT—he has still provided impact beyond his primary job.
Against Gujarat Titans, Parag backed up the team’s totals with a key bowling contribution, taking the wicket of Kumar Kushagra. With the early scoreboard outcomes aligned and support flowing from former players, his captaincy stint is beginning on a positive note—both in match results and in how the team seems to be responding internally.
