Ahead of the IPL season opener, Rajasthan Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara and Chennai Super Kings\u2019 Stephen Fleming offered insights into team strategy, leadership decisions, and early challenges.<\/p>\n
For Rajasthan, the spotlight is firmly on the appointment of Riyan Parag as captain following the departure of Sanju Samson. Sangakkara revealed that the decision followed an extensive and structured evaluation process.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, we had multiple candidates, including Sandeep Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja. We had a very structured process with strict parameters. We spoke to each candidate multiple times\u2014two, three, even four conversations. All of them were capable of captaining the side. But we felt Riyan was the best fit. He showed maturity, self-reflection, and clarity of thought. The conversations were tough, but he handled them really well. We\u2019re confident he\u2019s the right person to lead,\u201d Sangakkara said.<\/p>\n
He also addressed last season\u2019s middle-order struggles. \u201cWe weren\u2019t able to maintain tempo through the middle or finish as well as we wanted. We\u2019ve had honest conversations, made some tough decisions, and the players have worked hard in the off-season. We feel more balanced now,\u201d he noted, adding that the team\u2019s focus is on immediate impact rather than long-term projection.<\/p>\n
For Chennai, Fleming downplayed suggestions that the opening match signals a transition phase without M.S. Dhoni.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s just a game without him. He\u2019s still heavily involved in the side, and his influence remains very strong,\u201d Fleming said, confirming Dhoni\u2019s unavailability as he continues rehabilitation.<\/p>\n
Fleming also confirmed that Dewald Brevis will miss out after sustaining a side strain in training. \u201cYes, Brevis is out and is currently rehabbing. Hopefully, it won\u2019t be too long before he returns.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite the setback, he expressed confidence in the squad, \u201cWe\u2019ve invested in youth and Indian talent, and there\u2019s real energy in the group. The first game is always a good barometer, and we\u2019re focused on starting well.\u201d<\/p>\n
Published on Mar 29, 2026<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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