The group phase of the ongoing IPL 2026 is approaching its final stage, with multiple teams still in the race to book a single berth in the play-offs. The Rajasthan Royals are among the teams that are still in the title race.
In a must-win match, RR is up against the Lucknow Super Giants tonight at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. For this crucial match, the home team, Rajasthan Royals, is missing the services of two key players- captain Riyan Parag and the experienced spin bowling all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja.
Why are Riyan Parag and Ravindra Jadeja not playing vs LSG?
In place of Parag, Yashasvi Jaiswal is named as the stand-in skipper. At the toss, Jaiswal informed that Parag and Jadeja are both out of the match because of injuries. While Riyan Parag is recovering from a hamstring injury, Ravindra Jadeja is dealing with some niggles.
“He (Riyan Parag) had some hamstring injury, and he’ll be fine soon, I hope so. So, he’s not playing this game… Jadu bhai (Ravindra Jadeja) is recovering. He has some niggles, but he’ll be fine soon,” Yashasvi Jaiswal informed at the toss.
RR has made multiple changes in the playing XI vs LSG.
It is a must-win match for the Rajasthan Royals to keep in the title contention. While most of the teams enjoy playing on their home ground, in front of their own supporters, the case is different for the Royals as they are on a winless streak at home this season. On a pressure match like this, some of the stats can put impact on the players. Jaiswal did not want to put too much attention on the record; he wanted to enjoy the game.
“I think we are all speaking to everyone, and I think the mindset and attitude that we will bring out into the ground is just to enjoy the game. I think I’ll just smile and enjoy the game and play. That said, I think it’s a wonderful, wonderful day, and we have the opportunity to play good cricket. So we are going to enjoy the game”, RR’s stand-in skipper said at the toss.
RR has made a total of three changes for this game. Sandeep Sharma, Sushant Mishra, and Lhuan-dre Pretorius are named in the playing combination against the Lucknow Super Giants.
“We have three changes. Sandy, Sushant Mishra, and Lhuan-dre Pretorius come in”, Jaiswal informed further.
RR chose to bowl first.
RR’s stand-in captain, Yashasvi Jaiswal, has won the toss and chosen to bat first, as the track seems good to bowl first.
“We’re going to bowl first, and I feel like it’s a good wicket. Later on, there will be some dew, I hope. So, we are going to chase,” he added.
Currently, the Royals are situated in fifth place of the 10-team league with 12 points from 12 ganes. So far, they have secured 6 wins and 6 defeats in their IPL 2026 journey.
Read More: Agarkar breaks silence on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s non-selection for India vs Afghanistan series