Former Chennai Super Kings batter Ambati Rayudu has backed Rajasthan Royals skipper Riyan Parag, stating that the young captain has already earned the trust and respect of his teammates early in his leadership stint. Rajasthan edged past Gujarat Titans by six runs in a tense encounter at the Narendra Modi Stadium on April 4. After posting 210/6, RR managed to restrict Gujarat to 204/8, sealing a narrow but impressive win. Speaking during a discussion on ESPNcricinfo, Rayudu highlighted how Parag has settled into the role and how the squad appears to be responding positively to his leadership. “He is doing a fantastic job and I am sure the coaching staff are giving him all the freedom. I can easily see the RR group having great respect for him. That is great to watch. When you have a young captain, the biggest challenge is to command that respect. I can see a lot of respect for him in the squad. They look to be enjoying themselves, which is a great sign.” Parag was handed the captaincy ahead of IPL 2026 after Sanju Samson moved to CSK. The 24-year-old had already gained some leadership exposure last season, stepping in as stand-in captain during Samson’s injury phase. Former Australia captain Aaron Finch also weighed in, pointing out a key factor that has helped Parag ease into the role. He noted that the absence of a dominant senior figure in the dressing room has worked in the young skipper’s favour. “What is also important in that regard when you have got a young captain – there is not an overshadowing figure who has missed that opportunity to lead the side. Often there can be a resentment there towards the person who has got the job. He has got a team of young superstars. He can almost guide them through the next phase of their career and forge a generation of seriously good players for RR.” Under Parag’s leadership this season, Rajasthan have made a strong start, winning both of their matches so far. While his individual returns with the bat have been modest — 14* off 11 against CSK and 8 against GT — he has contributed with the ball as well, picking up the wicket of Kumar Kushagra in the latter game. With early results going his way and strong backing from former players, Parag’s captaincy stint has begun on a promising note, both in terms of results and dressing-room dynamics.
