Former Indian fast bowler Mohit Sharma has put his weight behind Riyan Parag to turn his form amid the ongoing IPL 2026. The Rajasthan Royals skipper hasn’t been able to lead from the front as he has managed only 88 runs in eight matches at an average of 12.57 and a strike rate of 112.82.

The right-hander from Assam hasn’t been able to even cross the 20-run mark in the ongoing season. RR’s top order has delivered consistently but their captain has failed to provide support in the middle overs.

“It will be a concern for Riyan, because a captain always wishes that he scores runs and leads from the front. It is important for his own confidence as well. When a captain scores runs, he takes decisions also quite confidently, there will not be insecurity. It is being heard that he is batting really well in the nets,” Mohit Sharma said on Cricbuzz.

“The problem is that he is not getting an innings to build from. If he gets one innings, especially at this stage, where 6-7 matches are remaining in the league phase, 110 percent you can see RR in the top two. We are talking about RCB and PBKS, but from here on, if their middle order gets explosive, like Riyan has shown in the last two seasons, he can score 350-400 runs from here on. There is no lack of talent in any form, he is an amazing player,” he added.

On the other hand, RR’s batting coach Vikram Rathour has backed Parag to be back amongst the runs in the second phase of IPL 2026.

“So that is how this game goes sometimes. You get into a lean phase or a phase where you are not scoring as many runs as you would like to. But that is part of the game, I think. He will come back and he will come back strong. I am pretty sure of that. We are having a one-on-one conversation. We had noted Parag’s batting form. We have been talking about it a lot,” Rathour said (via NDTV).

Parag will look to lead from the front and deliver for the franchise.