Rajasthan Royals Head Coach Kumar Sangakkara addressed off-field disciplinary issues involving Captain Riyan Parag and Team Manager Ravinder Singh Bhinder ahead of the franchise’s May 1 clash against Delhi Capitals, as scrutiny around the side intensified despite their position in the IPL 2026 playoff race. The match has since been completed, with Rajasthan posting 225/6 before Delhi Capitals secured a seven-wicket win with five balls remaining.
Royals disciplinary issues prompt leadership and player responses
The controversy around Parag emerged after he was seen using a vape inside the dressing room during a match against Punjab Kings on April 28, as previously reported by cricexec. Speaking to reporters on the eve of the Delhi Capitals fixture, Sangakkara said, “I think it is, of course, a reflection that is not positive on the team, a controversy of any kind. All I can say is that both of those have been addressed by the BCCI and the franchise. And then in terms of the culture, we always try to have a very positive, healthy culture. We have our own values we adhere to. And the constant reminder to the players is to make sure they’re responsible to the franchise and to our culture and our values.”
The incident led to disciplinary action, with Parag docked 25% of his match fee, as previously reported by cricexec. In a formal communication issued at the time, the Board of Control for Cricket in India stated, “The BCCI is also exploring other options to initiate proceedings for stringent action against the erring team, its officials and player/s to ensure that the reputation of IPL remains intact.”
Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin also addressed the situation on his YouTube channel ahead of the same fixture, saying, “I think this is totally a situation that could have been avoided. I want players not to get trapped in such things. I don’t really want that for a young player, and this is a little sensitive, too. I think, on all quadrants, if we look at so many things, this could have been avoided.”
He added, “Sometimes what happens is it’s a personal choice, but your personal choice should be in your personal space. If you do all this in a public space, that can very well be avoided. All I would say is this: it’s my small advice as an elder brother. I want to tell Riyan Parag that, whatever happens in your personal life, nobody has any concern about it. Nobody can say anything about that. But whatever you do, do it in your personal space, because you are a captain, you are a franchise leader. You are probably an inspiration for many cricketers, many youth, many young Indians, and young people around the world. So there is some responsibility too.”
Ashwin further said, “I have my deepest empathy and sympathy for the young kid, but at the same time, I totally believe all these things should and can be avoided,” before concluding, “It can’t be easy, man. In today’s world, I also sometimes read things and think, man, I mean, sometimes this happens. I’m not saying these things should be let go under the carpet, because if action isn’t taken, nobody will learn from it. But it is better to avoid these things.”
Separately, Rajasthan Royals’ Team Manager Ravinder Singh Bhinder was found to have breached protocol and was subsequently fined ₹1 lakh (approx. US$1.1K) for the offence, as previously reported by cricexec.
Sangakkara backs Parag’s leadership and role
Sangakkara reiterated the broader impact of such incidents on the team environment, adding, “Such controversies are no positives for the team and all I can say is that both issues have been addressed by the BCCI and the franchise.”
The former Sri Lanka Captain also backed Parag’s leadership approach, stating, “I think he has done really well as a captain. And also in the last game, his little innings is what really shifted the momentum our way. He was fearless, he went out there in tough conditions and really brought the [required] rate and momentum back in our favour. Those are the impactful innings that I want to see from Riyan.”
He further explained the separation between leadership and batting responsibilities, saying, “So all I want to do is enjoy his batting, and you cannot bat like a captain. You have to bat like Riyan Parag, the batter, and you are only captaining when you are fielding. So that separation of roles and to go and bat without any pressure, any expectations, and do what the side requires is what he is concentrating on, and he showed good signs in the last game.”
Match context and updated performance
Sangakkara’s reference to momentum related to Rajasthan’s April 28 contest against Punjab Kings. Since those remarks were made, Parag produced a significant innings in the Delhi Capitals fixture, scoring 90 as Rajasthan reached 225/6.
Delhi Capitals completed the chase with five balls remaining, led by Pathum Nissanka’s 62 and KL Rahul’s 75, alongside contributions from Nitish Rana (33), Tristan Stubbs (18 not out) and Ashutosh Sharma (25 not out). Mitchell Starc, returning to the side for Delhi Capitals, recorded figures of 3/40. The result underlined a high-scoring contest in which Rajasthan fell short despite their captain’s contribution.
Rajasthan Royals remain in contention for a playoff place, with focus now shifting back to on-field performance as the league stage progresses.
