Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag was furious when he arrived for the press conference after his franchise’s win over the Lucknow Super Giants in Match No.64 of the IPL 2026. The victory kept RR’s playoff hopes alive, and if they win their last league fixture, the 2008 champions would play in the next round. While Parag hailed Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for his match-winning knock, he hit out at the commentators who have been talking about his personal life in the ongoing 19th season of the tournament.

Parag was seen vaping in the PBKS vs RR match, and when he was asked how he deals with all the stuff that is being written or said about him, he lost his cool. RR skipper mentioned that he has come to terms with the fact that people are going to talk about him no matter what he does on the field.

“I have understood that people are going to talk no matter what I do on the field. I have understood this. Whatever is being said, it shouldn’t impact my game and mindset.

“A lot of things are happening outside in the IPL this year. Our country loves cricket and the players try to give their best. It is our duty to perform well for the fans, who come to the ground with expectations,” he said.

Parag mentioned that players make mistakes, and it is normal. He accused the commentators of crossing the line.

“Players work hard. It is easy to slam them when the team fails to score runs. We prepare for days before a game, and the batters prepare to score 220 or 250, but sometimes they don’t click.

“Fans are hearing what commentators are saying. They should love cricket and talk about the game. Our country loves cricket and we should talk about it as we are the best in this field. It should be treated with respect and only cricket should be discussed, nothing else,” he explained.

The win against Lucknow has taken Rajasthan to the fourth spot in the standings. They will face the Mumbai Indians in their last contest of the season. A victory against MI would confirm their place in the playoffs, but a defeat would almost eliminate them.