Jaipur, March 19 (NationPress) Kumar Sangakkara, the head coach of Rajasthan Royals (RR), mentioned that the team has made significant improvements in various areas of the squad in preparation for the upcoming 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. This includes enhancing batting depth and expanding options in the spin bowling department.

After a disappointing performance in IPL 2025, where RR recorded 10 losses and only 4 wins, finishing ninth on the points table, the franchise took decisive actions ahead of the 2026 auction. They released all their spinners and successfully acquired the skilled Indian spinner Ravi Bishnoi, along with all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran through trade.

“We realized we needed to improve our skills, particularly in terms of batting depth, local spin, and all-rounders. This would provide us with more options in our bowling lineup, allowing us to reorganize the batting order. Addressing these aspects was our primary goal,” Sangakkara stated during a pre-season press conference.

He also emphasized the importance of execution as they prepare to kick off their campaign against CSK at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati on March 30. “While we have covered all bases, it’s now essential to put in the hard work to unify as a team, build trust, and prepare to face our opponents. Ultimately, the effectiveness of our strategy will be measured by our performance,” he added.

Sangakkara highlighted the need for a strong team spirit, stating that it’s crucial for the players to enjoy their experience regardless of the outcomes. “It’s not solely about results; players can have varying seasons. The key point is that we believe in their potential and their proven statistics support that belief,” he remarked.

Regarding the appointment of Riyan Parag as the new captain following Sanju Samson’s exit, Sangakkara explained that the decision was made based on leadership qualities, not regional affiliations. “Our discussions focused on selecting the best candidate to lead the team. I met Riyan when he was just a teenager, and I have always admired his capabilities. He has matured significantly and is ready for this leadership role,” he stated.

He concluded by expressing the unanimous support of the RR management for Parag’s captaincy. “The selection process was thorough, involving multiple conversations. Ultimately, it was clear that Riyan was the right choice to lead the Rajasthan Royals, and everyone involved in this decision fully backs it,” Sangakkara affirmed.