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The group stage of the ongoing IPL 2026 is nearing its final stage, with many teams still in the race to seal a place in the playoffs. Rajasthan Royals is among those teams which are still in the race for the title.
In a must-win match, RR are up against Lucknow Super Giants at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur tonight. For this crucial match, the home team, Rajasthan Royals, is missing the services of two key players – captain Riyan Parag and experienced spin bowling all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja.
Why are Riyan Parag and Ravindra Jadeja not playing against LSG?
Yashasvi Jaiswal has been made the acting captain in place of Parag. At the time of the toss, Jaiswal told that both Parag and Jadeja are out of the match due to injury. While Riyan Parag is recovering from a hamstring injury, Ravindra Jadeja is struggling with some problems.
“He (Ryan Parag) had some hamstring injuries, and he will recover soon, I hope so. So, he is not playing this game… Jadoo Bhai (Ravindra Jadeja) is recovering. He has some injuries, but he will recover soon,” Yashasvi Jaiswal told the toss.
RR has made several changes in the playing eleven against LSG.
To remain in the title race, it is necessary for Rajasthan Royals to win this match. While most teams enjoy playing in front of their supporters at their home ground, the case is different for the Royals as they are on a winning streak at home this season. In such a pressure-filled match, certain statistics can impact players. Jaiswal did not want to focus too much on the record; He wanted to enjoy the game.
“I think we’re all talking to everyone, and I think the mentality and attitude we’ll bring to the field is just to enjoy the game. I think I’ll just smile and enjoy the game and play. That said, I think it’s a wonderful, wonderful day, and we have an opportunity to play good cricket. So we’ll enjoy the game”, the RR stand-in captain said at the toss.
RR has made a total of three changes for this game. Sandeep Sharma, Sushant Mishra and Luan-Dre Pretorius have been included in the playing combination against Lucknow Super Giants.
Jaiswal further explained, “We have three changes. Sandy, Sushant Mishra and Luan-Dre Pretorius have come.”
RR decided to bowl first
RR stand-in captain Yashasvi Jaiswal has won the toss and elected to bat first as the track looks good to bowl first.
“We will bowl first and I think it is a good wicket. Later, there will be some dew, I hope. So, we are going to chase the target,” he said.
Currently, the Royals are placed fifth in the 10-team league with 12 points from 12 matches. So far, they have achieved 6 wins and 6 losses in their IPL 2026 journey.
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