Rajasthan Royals have endured a sharp swing in fortunes after a blazing start to the IPL season. The franchise began with four straight wins to seize the top spot on the points table, but a run of setbacks soon followed, leaving them stuck in fourth place.
After their opening surge, Rajasthan suffered back-to-back losses—both on the road. They were beaten by 57 runs by Sunrisers Hyderabad and then went down to Kolkata Knight Riders by four wickets. The defeats have intensified scrutiny around captain Riyan Parag, whose batting returns have not matched the responsibility of leading the side.
In six matches this season, Parag—handed the captaincy role after Rajasthan ended their association with Sanju Samson—has scored just 61 runs at a strike rate of 122. His lack of impact in the middle overs has been a key concern, particularly because the two recent defeats also highlighted how costly his batting struggles can be.
While Parag’s leadership has drawn some praise, his personal numbers have kept the pressure on. Four of his six dismissals have reportedly come within the first ten balls he faces, and his strike rate is the fifth-lowest among batters who have faced at least 50 deliveries.
Jaffer urges a batting-order rethink ahead of Lucknow
With Rajasthan set for a third successive away game of the season—against Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Stadium on Wednesday—former India batter Wasim Jaffer has urged the captain to adjust his approach. Jaffer suggested that Shimron Hetmyer should be promoted to a more prominent role in the batting order.
- Jaffer said he would like Hetmyer moved up, specifically into the No. 3 or No. 4 position, to give the Royals a more aggressive option earlier in the innings.
- He added that if Parag continues to struggle for runs, the captain should consider dropping down the order rather than sticking to the same plan.
- Jaffer argued that players in better form should get priority with earlier opportunities, so Rajasthan can make a tactical adjustment in their lineup.
- He stressed Hetmyer’s potential impact, saying the batter can be “very destructive” when given enough time in the middle, particularly in the top-middle phase.
Jaffer also warned that Parag’s low scoring output could affect his influence within the dressing room. In his view, leadership will only carry full weight when the captain contributes with the bat.
He said the absence of runs is a genuine concern, and that Parag needs to address it. Jaffer highlighted that the captain should spend more time at the crease, refine his shot selection, and improve how he executes his deliveries. He noted that Parag has talent and has delivered in the past, including performances for India, but believes the current season requires him to find solutions quickly given the lack of runs.
Jaffer underlined that although Parag is captaining the team, his influence will grow only if he performs personally—especially at a time when Rajasthan are looking to arrest their slide after their early dominance.
