Manjrekar Questions Rajasthan Royals Decision To Name Parag Captain For IPL 2026
Manjrekar questions Parag’s captaincy, saying Rajasthan Royals rewarded him too quickly.
Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has questioned Riyan Parag’s appointment as captain of Rajasthan Royals in the ongoing Indian Premier League 2026, stating that the decision “makes no sense” given the youngster’s recent performances with the bat.
Despite the Royals maintaining a competitive run in the tournament, Manjrekar expressed doubts over Parag’s leadership credentials, pointing to his inconsistent batting returns. The 24-year-old took ten matches to register his first half-century this season, raising concerns about his form and ability to lead from the front in a high-pressure competition.
Parag has also been under scrutiny following a controversy earlier in the season, when he was caught on camera vaping inside the dressing room. The incident led to disciplinary action, with the player fined 25 per cent of his match fees. The episode further intensified criticism around his conduct and maturity as a leader.
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Having joined the franchise in 2019, Parag has spent several seasons with the Royals but has struggled to deliver consistent performances. He holds a modest batting average and has registered only a handful of half-centuries during his IPL career, figures that critics argue do not justify a leadership role at this stage.
Manjrekar, known for his candid assessments, said the promotion appeared to be a disproportionate reward, suggesting that Parag had been given an opportunity not entirely aligned with his on-field contributions. His remarks reflect a broader debate within cricket circles about the criteria for leadership roles in franchise leagues.
Parag previously had a brief stint as captain when he filled in for Sanju Samson, who has since moved to Chennai Super Kings ahead of the 2026 season. While the Royals’ management reportedly evaluated multiple candidates before naming Parag as captain, the decision continues to divide opinion as the tournament progresses.
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