As the IPL 2026 approaches, excitement is building around young talents but at the Rajasthan Royals camp, the focus is not just on performance, it’s also on protecting a rising star. Captain Riyan Parag has made it clear that teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi should be allowed to grow without unnecessary pressure.
Speaking ahead of the season, Riyan Parag shared a simple but powerful message – let the youngster enjoy his cricket. With the IPL set to begin on March 28, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is expected to open alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, a well-established name in Indian cricket. While the opportunity is huge, Riyan Parag believes it’s important not to overwhelm the 14-year-old with expectations or media attention.
He suggested that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi should stay away from excessive press interactions, interviews and outside noise, focusing only on his game. Riyan Parag also urged the media to give the youngster space, emphasising that he is still very young and should be allowed to enjoy the sport freely. In simple terms, his advice was clear – don’t complicate things, just play cricket.
On the field, however, Riyan Parag wants Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to play with full freedom. He encouraged him to be fearless and back his natural attacking instincts. Whether it’s hitting the first ball or taking on bowlers early, the youngster has been told to trust his game. Riyan Parag also highlighted that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s recent performances have been exceptional, noting that very few players at such a young age have shown this level of consistency across formats.
At the same time, Riyan Parag acknowledged that pressure is inevitable at this level. But he reassured that Yashasvi Jaiswal, with his experience, will shoulder much of that responsibility, allowing Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to play without fear.
Meanwhile, head coach Kumar Sangakkara addressed questions about the squad composition. Despite not having players from India’s recent T20 World Cup-winning team, he expressed complete confidence in the current group. According to him, the focus is on the players available rather than those missing and the squad has enough quality Indian talent.
Kumar Sangakkara also spoke about improving the team’s flexibility this season. The franchise has worked on strengthening batting depth, adding local spin options and including more all-rounders to provide balance. This approach gives the team the ability to adjust combinations and strategies as needed.
The Royals have also undergone significant changes. Long-time captain Sanju Samson has moved to Chennai Super Kings after an 11-year stint, while star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has joined the squad. These moves, along with smart auction picks, have helped the team build a more balanced and adaptable lineup.
Riyan Parag certainly made sense in regard to what he said for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, what do you say?
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