Having been part of the Royals setup since the early days of his IPL career, Parag spoke about the franchise\u2019s role in shaping his journey and the pride he feels in stepping into the leadership role.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cRajasthan Royals have been my home in the IPL since day one. This franchise has backed me, developed me, and pushed me to grow every season. To now lead this team is incredibly special, and it\u2019s a responsibility I fully embrace. I\u2019m excited to work alongside our coaches and leadership group to play fearless, smart cricket and make our fans proud,\u201d he said. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
Parag\u2019s appointment signals continuity in the Royals\u2019 philosophy of nurturing young leaders from within. Having previously served as part of the team\u2019s player leadership group, he now takes on full captaincy responsibilities at a pivotal stage for the franchise.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Head Coach Kumar Sangakkara emphasised Parag\u2019s evolution as both a cricketer and a leader within the squad, underlining the management\u2019s confidence in the young all-rounder, as he said, \u201cRiyan has developed into a high-impact player and a strong presence in our group. He\u2019s shown composure under pressure, a sharp cricketing mind, and a real understanding of how we want to play. Already as part of the player leadership group, he has the respect of the dressing room, and we\u2019re confident he will thrive in this role\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Sangakkara\u2019s remarks highlight the internal belief that Parag\u2019s leadership credentials have been built over time rather than fast-tracked, with the franchise prioritising clarity of vision and cultural alignment.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Head Coach Kumar Sangakkara emphasised Parag\u2019s evolution as both a cricketer and a leader within the squad, underlining the management\u2019s confidence in the young all-rounder, as he said, \u201cRiyan has developed into a high-impact player and a strong presence in our group. He\u2019s shown composure under pressure, a sharp cricketing mind, and a real understanding of how we want to play. Already as part of the player leadership group, he has the respect of the dressing room, and we\u2019re confident he will thrive in this role\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Rajasthan Royals will head into IPL 2026 with a strengthened coaching group led by Sangakkara as Director of Cricket and Head Coach, supported by a highly skilled and experienced backroom team designed to maximise preparation and performance. The support staff includes Vikram Rathour as Lead Assistant Coach, Shane Bond as Fast Bowling Coach, Trevor Penney as Assistant Coach, and Sid Lahiri as Performance Coach.<\/p>\r\n\r\n