India, March 21 -- Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin predicted a tough year for the Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, saying the young right-handed batter should look to take care of his own batting form. Earlier this year, Riyan was confirmed as the Royals captain for IPL 2026 despite the presence of Ravindra Jadeja, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel in the squad. Parag had also captained the Royals in Sanju Samson's absence last year; however, he failed to rise to the occasion as the inaugural champions faltered to deceive.

Once Jadeja was traded to the Royals, one expected him to become the captain, considering he also took a pay cut. However, the franchise stuck with Parag as the skip...