Riyan Parag Remains Confident Despite Struggles, Coach Optimistic for a Comeback
Riyan Parag is going through a tough time, but he continues to believe in himself. Rajasthan Royals’ batting coach, Vikram Rathour, is confident that the team captain will soon find his form again. Even though Parag has received criticism for a series of low scores, the Royals’ camp is hopeful about his ability to bounce back.
In a recent match against Kolkata Knight Riders, Parag scored only 12 runs as the Royals faced a four-wicket defeat at Eden Gardens. After the game, Rathour reassured fans, stating it’s just a matter of time before Parag regains his rhythm at the crease.
Rathour said, “Not everyone scores runs every time. There are phases in cricket where some players are in form and others are not. I have no doubt he will come back and play a key role in winning us matches.”
He acknowledged Parag’s potential, noting challenges such as returning from an injury and limited competitive play before the IPL. “It’s a tough tournament,” Rathour pointed out.
Despite a decent start to the IPL 2026 season for Rajasthan Royals, Parag’s batting has raised concerns. Criticism has also come from former India chief selector Kris Srikkanth, who highlighted Parag’s inconsistency and questioned some of his captaincy decisions, particularly regarding bowling changes.
In that match against KKR, Rajasthan posted a total of 155/9. The innings began promisingly with a strong performance from 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who scored 46 runs off 28 balls, and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who added 39 runs. However, the innings lost momentum due to effective bowling from Varun Chakaravarthy (3/14) and Sunil Narine (2/26).
KKR had a shaky start but recovered well thanks to Rinku Singh’s unbeaten 53 and Anukul Roy’s contribution of 29 runs, resulting in a crucial 76-run partnership. A late effort from Kartik Tyagi brought some excitement, but KKR successfully chased the target with two balls to spare, ending their losing streak.
Parag’s Performance in IPL 2026
So far in the IPL 2026 season, Parag’s batting numbers have not been impressive. In six innings, he has scored just 61 runs at a strike rate of 122, with a highest score of only 20.
The fall in performance is concerning, especially as he is taking on a more significant role in the team. While his results haven’t met expectations yet, the management’s support indicates they are willing to give him time to find his form.
As the tournament progresses, the Royals are eager for Parag to turn things around. His return to form could relieve pressure on the middle order and significantly boost their chances for the playoffs.
