Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag has called on IPL commentators to keep their focus on cricket rather than making personal remarks about players during the ongoing 2026 season. His comments came shortly after Rajasthan Royals secured a convincing seven-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants in match 64 in Jaipur.
Parag, who has recently been in the spotlight for off-field reasons, including criticism over a celebration and a fine imposed by the BCCI, addressed the media despite missing the match due to injury. He emphasised the effort players put into preparation, even when results do not go their way.
“We perform according to the expectations of the crowd. So, I feel, we should all love cricket and look at it in the same way. Players are working very hard. It is very easy to say, if a team gets all out for 75 or 80, that they do not know how to play or have the mindset to play. But before that game, there is 3-4 days’ preparation to ensure how we can score 200-250. But sometimes it doesn’t happen,” Parag said.
The Royals skipper also highlighted the influence commentators have and urged them to avoid personal criticism. “We are humans too and we make mistakes too. So, I feel, as much as it is happening outside, especially the commentators, their voices are reaching out to the people. I would request them to love cricket. Talk about cricket.”
Praise for Sooryavanshi’s Match-Winning Knock
Parag also praised Rajasthan Royals opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for his standout performance against LSG. The 15-year-old produced a blistering 93 off 38 deliveries, hitting seven fours and ten sixes to anchor the chase.
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“I think it was his best innings. When he was 5 off 10 or 11, there is always two ways to go. But he took his time. That first big shot off Mayank Yadav over covers gave me satisfaction that he may be small, but he has a larger understanding of the game,” Parag said.
Royals Stay in Playoff Race
With Parag unavailable due to injury, Yashasvi Jaiswal led the side in the must-win fixture. After winning the toss and opting to field, Rajasthan Royals conceded 220 runs, with Mitchell Marsh scoring 96 off 57 balls and Josh Inglis adding 60 from 29 deliveries.
In response, Sooryavanshi and Jaiswal put on a rapid 75-run opening stand in 6.3 overs, with Jaiswal contributing 43 off 23 balls. Dhruv Jurel then added an unbeaten 53 from 38 deliveries as Rajasthan Royals chased down the target in 19.1 overs.
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The result keeps Rajasthan Royals in contention for a place in the IPL 2026 playoffs. Their next match is scheduled against Mumbai Indians in match 69 on Sunday, May 24.
