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Rajasthan Royals (RR) head coach Kumar Sangakkara provided an important update on all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja’s limited batting role against Mumbai Indians (MI) in IPL 2026. Sangakkara revealed that Jadeja has been injured, forcing the franchise to manage his workload carefully throughout the season.
Rajasthan Royals qualified for the playoffs in the current season by defeating Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, May 24. This important win secured Rajasthan Royals a place in the Eliminator, where they will face Pat Cummins-led Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Wednesday, May 27, in New Chandigarh.
He is struggling with injury – Kumar Sangakkara gives update on Ravindra Jadeja’s fitness
During the presentation after the match, Kumar Sangakkara talked about the fitness of Ravindra Jadeja. The Rajasthan Royals coach said the team is carefully managing Jadeja’s workload as spending long periods at the crease puts extra stress on his body ahead of the playoffs.
Sangakkara said, “He is struggling with injuries. And we have to manage him very sensitively. So having him go out and bat for a long time puts a lot of pressure on him, a lot of stress. So until he gets two days’ rest, we can use him even better.”
Rajasthan Royals used Jadeja as an impact player at number nine during the 18th over of the chase. Joffra Archer and Shubham Dubey were promoted before him. This was only the second time since 2010 that Jadeja batted so low in a T20 innings.
He has got the respect of all the players and staff – Kumar Sangakkara on Riyan Parag’s captaincy
Kumar Sangakkara praised Riyan Parag’s leadership qualities after his first season as Rajasthan Royals captain. Sangakkara said that Parag showed maturity and determination, adding that he has earned respect inside the dressing room.
“When we decided to offer the captaincy to Ryan, he was absolutely the right person to lead this franchise. There is no doubt in my mind. And watching him, yes, he will develop. He will mature. He will understand himself more. He will learn to understand his players more. But even today, if you look at the calls he has made as captain, the confidence with which he sometimes pulls himself up almost on one leg and plays – there is a huge amount of that in him.” There is positivity.”
“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 over the next few years, I think it’s a really interesting relationship we have to build with the franchise and Ryan, and really help him develop as a captain, as a batsman, as a person, and his Keep supporting,” he added.
I am very proud of Riyan Parag – Kumar Sangakkara
Kumar Sangakkara praised the way he handled pressure during IPL 2026, describing Riyan Parag as a calm, intelligent and determined young player.
“He’s a very, very nice young man. Sometimes what you see on the outside is not Riyan Parag. Riyan Parag is a sweet, gentle, mild-mannered, really determined, smart young man. And he’s learned a lot over the years. And he’ll continue on that journey. I’m very proud of him,” he said.
Parag replaced Sanju Samson as Rajasthan Royals captain ahead of IPL 2026. Despite having no previous franchise captaincy experience, Parag successfully guided Rajasthan Royals to the playoffs, rewarding the faith shown in him by Sangakkara and the franchise management.
Also read: Former Ranji Trophy player dies during IPL 2026 match
