IPL 2026: 'Can see a lot of respect for him in the squad' - Former CSK star showers praise on RR captain Riyan Parag

Former Indian batter Ambati Rayudu has praised Riyan Parag for how he has handled the captaincy responsibilities with the Rajasthan Royals.

Defending 211 against the Gujarat Titans, with 15 runs required in the final two overs, Parag turned to Jofra Archer and Tushar Deshpande, who gave away just four runs each as the Royals won a nail-biting contest by just six runs.

Rayudu believes that Parag has gained the respect of his teammates, which is a great feat considering that he is a young captain. 

"He is doing a fantastic job and I am sure the coaching staff are giving him all the freedom. I can easily see the RR group having great respect for him. That is great to watch. When you have a young captain, the biggest challenge is to command that respect. I can see a lot of respect for him in the squad. They look to be enjoying themselves, which is a great sign," Rayudu said, speaking on a discussion on ESPNCricinfo

'No overshadowing figure' - Aaron Finch

Former Australian captain Aaron Finch further stated that Parag is lucky that there is no dominant figure in the dressing room, which makes it much smoother for him to go about with his duties. Parag has previously captained the Royals in the absence of Sanju Samson, but with Samson's departure to CSK, he has been handed full-time responsibilities for the 2026 season.

"What is also important in that regard when you have got a young captain - there is not an overshadowing figure who has missed that opportunity to lead the side. Often there can be a resentment there towards the person who has got the job. He has got a team of young superstars. He can almost guide them through the next phase of their career and forge a generation of seriously good players for RR," Finch said.

The Royals, who have won their opening two games, will play the Mumbai Indians on April 7, at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati.