Riyan Parag Faces Leadership Test in IPL 2026 as Ashwin Urges Focus on Batting Form

New Delhi | March 21, 2026 Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has said that the upcoming Indian Premier League 2026 season could be a challenging one for Riyan Parag, who has been appointed captain of Rajasthan Royals. Ashwin advised the young skipper to stay focused on maintaining his own batting form while handling leadership responsibilities. Parag was named captain despite the presence of experienced players like Ravindra Jadeja, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Dhruv Jurel in the squad. Ashwin admitted that he had expected Jadeja to take on the leadership role but said the franchise has shown confidence in Parag’s abilities, keeping in mind his long association with the team and leadership experience in domestic cricket. Speaking about the challenges ahead, Ashwin noted that leading a team through a full IPL season is not easy, especially for a young captain. He stressed that Parag would need to balance his role carefully, manage team dynamics, and continue performing as a batter. He also suggested that Parag should seek guidance from senior players like Jadeja and rely on the support of head coach Kumar Sangakkara and the team management. Ashwin added that the team’s performance, especially the bowling unit, will play a key role in easing the captain’s workload. Rajasthan Royals are set to begin their campaign against Chennai Super Kings on March 30. However, the team has already faced a setback with the absence of key all-rounder Sam Curran, who has been ruled out of the tournament. Riyan Parag Faces Leadership Test in IPL 2026 as Ashwin Urges Focus on Batting Form Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has said that the upcoming Indian Premier League 2026 season could be a challenging one for Riyan Parag, who has been appointed captain of Rajasthan Royals. Ashwin advised the young skipper to stay focused on maintaining his own batting form while handling leadership responsibilities. Parag was named captain despite the presence of experienced players like Ravindra Jadeja, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Dhruv Jurel in the squad. Ashwin admitted that he had expected Jadeja to take on the leadership role but said the franchise has shown confidence in Parag’s abilities, keeping in mind his long association with the team and leadership experience in domestic cricket. Speaking about the challenges ahead, Ashwin noted that leading a team through a full IPL season is not easy, especially for a young captain. He stressed that Parag would need to balance his role carefully, manage team dynamics, and continue performing as a batter. He also suggested that Parag should seek guidance from senior players like Jadeja and rely on the support of head coach Kumar Sangakkara and the team management. Ashwin added that the team’s performance, especially the bowling unit, will play a key role in easing the captain’s workload. Rajasthan Royals are set to begin their campaign against Chennai Super Kings on March 30. However, the team has already faced a setback with the absence of key all-rounder Sam Curran, who has been ruled out of the tournament.