Rajasthan Royals (RR) head coach Kumar Sangakkara has provided fresh insights into Ravindra Jadeja’s ongoing injury concerns and how the franchise is managing the veteran all-rounder ahead of their crucial Eliminator match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Wednesday in New Chandigarh. Speaking in the post-match presentation after RR’s victory over Mumbai Indians on Sunday, Sangakkara revealed that Jadeja, now 37, has been nursing an injury and requires careful handling to avoid overexertion.
“He’s been nursing an injury. And we’ve had to manage him quite sensitively. So for him to go out and bat for long periods of time, it puts a lot of pressure on him, a lot of stress on him. So until he gets maybe another two days of rest, then we can use him even better,” Sangakkara explained. The coach’s comments come amid growing scrutiny over Jadeja’s recent performances, particularly with the bat, where he has often been used lower down the order. His lack of impact in the middle overs has raised questions about the high-profile trade that saw him move from RR to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL 2026 auction in exchange for Sanju Samson.
The injury concern was further echoed by India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar, who recently confirmed that Jadeja was rested ahead of the one-off Test against Afghanistan, which began on June 6 in New Chandigarh. “Ravindra Jadeja has been rested for the Test. He remains an integral part of the Test team and remains our No 1 spinner,” Agarkar stated during the squad announcement. He added that the decision was part of a broader strategy to assess other options, especially considering the upcoming ODI World Cup in 15–16 months and the need to evaluate players under South African conditions.
Meanwhile, Sangakkara heaped praise on Riyan Parag, who took over as RR’s captain this season, calling him the “absolute right guy” to lead the franchise. The 24-year-old has earned the respect of teammates and coaching staff alike, displaying maturity and tactical acumen despite his young age. “When we decided to offer Riyan the captaincy, he is the absolute right guy to lead this franchise. I have no doubt in my mind,” Sangakkara said. He highlighted Parag’s confidence, adaptability, and positive influence in the dressing room, noting that the young leader is on a journey of self-improvement and team development.
“He’s a very, very good young man. Sometimes what you see on the outside is not Riyan Parag. Riyan Parag is a lovely, soft, gentle, really determined, smart young man. And he’s learned a lot in the last few years. And he’ll continue on that journey. I’m very, very proud of him,” the coach added, underscoring Parag’s character and potential.
RR’s win over Mumbai Indians secured their place in the Eliminator, where they will face SRH in what promises to be a high-stakes encounter. Sangakkara stressed the need for discipline, aggression, and intent in bowling against a strong batting lineup. “We know what we’re going to face. Again, we’ve got to hold the line really. Be disciplined. Understand that they’re not a side that you’re going to limit to 120 or 130. But we’ve got to be aggressive. Lines and lengths. Even if you’re trying to bowl a good length ball or a slower ball, it has to be bowled with intent,” he said.
The Eliminator clash is set to be a test of both leadership and execution for Parag, while the franchise continues to navigate the challenges posed by Jadeja’s injury and the broader implications of his trade to CSK.
