2 min readUpdated: Apr 5, 2026 05:56 PM ISTWith Samson leaving for CSK this season, Parag was announced as the permanent captain of the side. (BCCI/Creimas Photo)Rajasthan Royals prevailed over Gujarat Titans in what was possibly the first real thriller of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season in Ahmedabad on Saturday. RR looked set to cruise to victory for much of the game before they were given an almighty scare by Rashid Khan, captaining GT for the day with Shubman Gill out injured, and Kagiso Rabada.ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW VIDEOHowever, RR kept their cool, with Jofra Archer and Tushar Deshpande pulling them over the line in the last two overs. Former India head coach Ravi Shastri was all praise for RR captain Riyan Parag after the match, predicting that the batting all-rounder has a “big future” ahead of him particularly in a leadership role.“Easily one of the best games in @IPL history. Archive this one! @ParagRiyan, you have got B***s of steel and a big future ahead, especially in a leadership role. Outstanding temperament. Well played! IPL Zindabad! @rajasthanroyals #GTvsRR #IPL2026,” said Shastri on X.The 24-year-old Parag had been touted among the brightest young talents in the league in his initial seasons with RR. While he is yet to establish himself at the international level, Parag has become a mainstay for the Royals over the years. He was made RR captain last season due to regular skipper Sanju Samson’s participation being limited by a finger injury that he had suffered. With Samson leaving for CSK this season, Parag was announced as the permanent captain of the side.Parag had made his international debut in a T20I against Zimbabwe in Harare in July 2024. He has played nine T20Is thus far, with the last of those coming in October 2024, and has scored 106 runs at an average of 17.66 and strike rate of 151.42. Parag has also taken four wickets in the format. He has also played one ODI for India, which as against Sri Lanka in Colombo on August 7, 2024. Parag was India’s highest wicket-taker in that match, returning figures of 3/54. He then scored 15 in 13 balls as India were thrashed by 110 runs.Stay updated with the latest sports news across Cricket, Football, Chess, and more. Catch all the action with real-time live cricket score updates and in-depth coverage of ongoing matches.© IE Online Media Services Pvt LtdAdvertisementLoading Recommendations...Live BlogRCB vs CSK LIVE Cricket Score, IPL 2026: Brevis, Samson in focus as Chennai eye first win over Bengaluru at Chinnaswamy; Toss, Playing XI updates2 minutes agoUS, Israel, Iran War Live Updates: Trump issues fresh threat to Iran, Open the Strait…’or you’ll be living in hell’3 minutes agoSRH vs LSG LIVE Score, IPL 2026: Malinga removes Marsh after solid start for Lucknow; LSG 37/1 after 4.4 ovs (Target: 157)3 minutes agoChetak Screen Awards 2026 LIVE Updates: India’s credible film awards back; Dhurandhar leads with 24 nominations4 minutes agoDubai Iran War News Live Updates: Iranian drones target Bahrain’s Gulf petrochemical industries; fire under control8 minutes ago