Riyan Parag is leading Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the ongoing IPL 2026 season. Fans and cricket experts were quite surprised with the move taken by the franchise to hand over the captaincy to a player who has not delivered enough despite being a regular member for the last seven years. Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has raised questions on Parag's appointment saying it does not make sense at all.
Sanjay Manjrekar makes huge statement on Riyan Parag
In an interaction with Sportstar, Sanjay claimed that Parag is not a typical Indian player, as he is fit and has a lot of confidence. But, Manjrekar also said that after the kind of performances Parag has given over the years, it's quite strange that RR has backed him over the years.
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"He's not one of your typical Indian players. He's fit and just the way he walks around and everything struts around. But I would say after the kind of performances I've seen over the years. It is something that I find a little strange that the Rajasthan Royals have backed him so much." Manjrekar said.
While opening up on Parag's appointment as RR captain, Sanjay expressed surprise on Sanju Samson's departure after leading the side for a few years.
"I mean, Sanju Samson captained them for a few years, and then he was removed, and Riyan Parag took over. I don't know what happened there. But I don't think from a cricketing point of view, it does not makes any sense at all," said Manjrekar
While adding further, Sanjay made a big statement, saying Parag has got the captaincy without doing enough to earn it, while wondering what the franchise sees in the right-handed batter despite very minimal return from him over the years.
"It's a bit harsh to say this but he's just got too much as a reward. Having not really worked hard for those rewards. So it's a very interesting case pertaining to the Rajasthan Royals," added Manjrekar
Riyan Parag's performance in IPL 2026
While leading the side to reach the top four in the points table, Riyan Parag lacked form with the bat, amassing only 207 runs in 10 outings at an average of 23.00 with a strike rate of 143.75. The RR skipper managed to hit only fifty-plus scores in the tournament, scoring match winning 90 runs against Delhi Capitals on may 1.