Riyan Parag vaping row, a reminder players need to maintain team culture: Sangakkara
Kumar Sangakkara admitted Rajasthan Royals have been forced into an uncomfortable period of reflection after two off-field controversies involving senior members of the franchise drew the attention of the IPL Governing Council and the BCCI ahead of their clash against Delhi Capitals in Jaipur.
The latest incident involved stand-in captain Riyan Parag, who was caught on camera using an e-cigarette in the team dugout during Rajasthan’s recent match against Punjab Kings. The footage quickly spread across social media and led to the IPL fining Parag 20 per cent of his match fee for breaching the league’s code of conduct. No suspension was imposed.
That came only days after Rajasthan team manager Romi Bhinder was also penalised by the IPL Governing Council. Bhinder was seen using his phone inside the team dugout during a match, with teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi seated beside him. The IPL fined Bhinder Rs 1 lakh for the breach, but again stopped short of imposing a ban.
With Rajasthan now facing mounting scrutiny over repeated disciplinary lapses, Sangakkara conceded the incidents had not reflected well on the franchise and said both matters had already been addressed internally and by the authorities.
A reminder for Rajasthan Royals
“Such controversies are no positives for the team and all I can say is that both issues have been addressed by the BCCI and the franchise,” Sangakkara said on the eve of Rajasthan’s meeting with Delhi Capitals, as quoted by Sportstar.
“It is a reminder to the players that they have to maintain the team’s culture.”
Sangakkara made it clear the Royals were keen to move the focus back on cricket as they prepare for an important home fixture in Jaipur. Rajasthan remain in the thick of the playoff race and cannot afford further distractions at a crucial stage of the season.
The Royals coach also reflected on the momentum swings in their previous outing and pointed to the value of small but decisive contributions in shaping results.
“His little innings shifted the momentum in our way,” Sangakkara said. “He brought the momentum back in our favour.”
Sangakkara also expects conditions in Jaipur to offer another strong surface, with Rajasthan preparing for a high-quality contest against a Delhi side still searching for rhythm.
“And it looks like another good pitch out there,” he said. “We don’t expect anything less than the best out of DC.”
For Rajasthan, the challenge now is straightforward. The Royals must ensure their performances, rather than disciplinary lapses, remain the talking point as the tournament enters a decisive phase.
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