IPL 2026: Why Riyan Parag is not playing for Rajasthan Royals against Gujarat Titans
Yashasvi Jaiswal is captaining Rajasthan Royals for the first time in IPL 2026 against Gujarat Titans due to Riyan Parag's hamstring injury. Jaiswal won the toss and opted to bowl first, confirming Parag's expected quick return. Gujarat Titans also would have preferred to bowl, with Shubman Gill emphasizing the team's confidence in close wins.
Yashasvi Jaiswal is officially leading Rajasthan Royals for the first time in IPL 2026 after regular skipper Riyan Parag was ruled out of the crucial clash against Gujarat Titans due to a hamstring injury. Jaiswal walked out for the toss in Jaipur, where RR won the toss and opted to bowl first on what is expected to be another high-scoring surface at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium. Why Suryakumar Yadav is set to lose India T20I captaincy: All you need to know Parag had suffered the injury during Rajasthan Royals’ previous match against Delhi Capitals.
The RR captain pulled his hamstring during the game and was unable to field in the second innings, with Jaiswal stepping in to lead the side on the field for the remainder of the match. However, Saturday’s contest marks the first time Jaiswal has officially captained Rajasthan Royals from the start of a game. At the toss, Jaiswal confirmed that Parag is expected to return soon.
“We are going to bowl first. I think the wicket is pretty good and we want to chase it. Riyan pulled his hamstring last game, so I feel he'll be coming back soon,” Jaiswal said.
RR also made two changes to their playing XI, bringing back Shimron Hetmyer and Yash Raj Punja for the important fixture. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill admitted Gujarat Titans would also have preferred to bowl first after losing the toss. GT made one change, with Prasidh Krishna returning to the side in place of Manav Suthar.