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Rajasthan Royals (RR) head coach Kumar Sangakkara provided a key update on all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja’s limited batting role against Mumbai Indians (MI) in IPL 2026. Sangakkara revealed that Jadeja has been carrying an injury, forcing the franchise to carefully manage his workload throughout the season.
Rajasthan Royals defeated Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, May 24, to qualify for the playoffs in ongoing season. The crucial victory booked Rajasthan Royals’ place in the Eliminator, where they will face Pat Cummins-led Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in New Chandigarh on Wednesday, May 27.
He’s Been Nursing an Injury - Kumar Sangakkara Provides Update on Ravindra Jadeja’s Fitness
During the post-match presentation, Kumar Sangakkara spoke about Ravindra Jadeja’s fitness. The Rajasthan Royals coach explained that the team has been carefully managing Jadeja’s workload because spending long periods at the crease puts extra pressure on his body ahead of the playoffs.
“He’s been nursing an injury. And we’ve had to manage him quite sensitively. So for him to go out and bat for long periods of time, it puts a lot of pressure on him, a lot of stress on him. So until he gets maybe another two days of rest, then we can use him even better,” Sangakkara said.
Rajasthan Royals used Jadeja as an Impact Player at number nine during the 18th over of the chase. Jofra Archer and Shubham Dubey were promoted ahead of him. It was only the second time since 2010 that Jadeja batted this low in a T20 innings.
He’s Got the Respect of All the Players and the Staff - Kumar Sangakkara on Riyan Parag’s Captaincy
Kumar Sangakkara praised the leadership qualities of Riyan Parag after his first season as captain of Rajasthan Royals. Sangakkara said that Parag showed maturity and determination, adding that he has earned respect inside the dressing room.
“When we decided to offer Riyan the captaincy, he is the absolute right guy to lead this franchise. I have no doubt in my mind. And having watched him, yes, he will grow. He will mature. He will understand himself a lot more. He will learn to understand his players a lot more. But even today, if you look at the calls he makes as captain, the confidence with which he drags himself almost on one foot sometimes to come and play – there’s a huge amount of positives.”
“I think he’s captained exceptionally well. He’s led his team exceptionally well. And when he’s in that dressing room, he’s got the respect of all the players and the staff. That’s all you can ask for. What happens in the next few years, I think it’s a really interesting relationship we have to build with the franchise and Riyan, and really help him develop as a captain, as a batter, as a person, and keep supporting him,” he added.
I’m Very, Very Proud of Riyan Parag - Kumar Sangakkara
Kumar Sangakkara described Riyan Parag as a calm, intelligent, and determined young player while praising the way he handled pressure during IPL 2026.
“He’s a very, very good young man. Sometimes what you see on the outside is not Riyan Parag. Riyan Parag is a lovely, soft, gentle, really determined, smart young man. And he’s learned a lot in the last few years. And he’ll continue on that journey. I’m very, very proud of him,” he stated.
Parag replaced Sanju Samson as captain of Rajasthan Royals before IPL 2026. Despite having no previous franchise captaincy experience, Parag successfully guided Rajasthan Royals into the playoffs, rewarding the faith shown in him by Sangakkara and the franchise management.
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