Riyan Parag admits tough start but vows fearless approach in IPL 2026

Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag struggles early in IPL 2026 but insists he won't change his aggressive style despite low scores.

Captain opens up Rajasthan Royals skipper Riyan Parag has confessed to facing challenges in the early part of IPL 2026, yet he refuses to alter his fearless batting approach for the sake of accumulating safe runs. In seven innings so far, he has managed just 81 runs at an average of 13.50, including a dismissal for 20 against Lucknow Super Giants on the previous evening. Even after a modest start, his side continues to stand by him. Parag remarked after the match, 'Everyone has been very supportive.' He added, 'I've been going through a phase as well. Right before the IPL, I had gone through something, and even now I'm going through something and everyone understands that. Everyone respects that, and I thank them for that.' ## Batting philosophy unchanged Despite the dip in form, Parag remains unwavering in his intent. He stated, 'I feel the way I'm batting a big innings is not too far away, but, as I've been saying, if I go in tomorrow and I play another game, it's going to be what the team needs. It's not me not scoring runs and taking my time, getting 40 off 30, that's not going to happen. I go out there, assess conditions; if they want me to go to 200 from ball one, I do that.' ## Match review and missed score When Parag departed, RR were 62 for 4. They had slipped to 110 for 6 before Ravindra Jadeja guided them to 159 with help from the lower-middle order. According to Parag, they finished 20 runs short. 'Firstly, I feel we were really short with the bat. The way the wicket was playing when me and Hetty [Shimron Hetmyer] were batting, I think we've got to be better,' he explained. 'I thought, honestly, even with the situation we had, we were close to getting 180, and that would have been a really good score because I knew it was going to be slowing down later, but yeah, the bowlers, they did pretty well,' he added. ## Bowling brilliance shines The bowlers, however, delivered an outstanding performance. Jofra Archer and Nandre Burger bowled three overs each during the powerplay, finishing with identical figures of 1 for 15. A run-out executed by substitute fielder Ravi Singh of Ayush Badoni also played a key role. Parag called the bowling display 'impressive,' saying, 'For two bowlers to bowl three in the powerplay at this stage of the game or how T20 cricket is evolving, I think it's just commendable. The wicket was helping a little more to the seamers in the first innings, but then the second innings we knew it would swing, but the lengths they bowled, the lines they bowled, and the way we fielded.. impressive.' ## Victory keeps Royals on track In the end, Rajasthan Royals overcame Lucknow Super Giants by 40 runs, securing their fifth win in seven matches and climbing to second place on the points table. They now prepare to host Sunrisers Hyderabad in Jaipur on April 25.