Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has backed Yashasvi Jaiswal to lead the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the upcoming IPL 2026 season. Justifying his statement, the cricketer-turned-commentator said that Jaiswal has more international exposure than Riyan Parag. Unlike Parag, Kaif believes that the Mumbai-born player would deliver his best even during pressure situations.

Kaif stressed that Parag managed just two wins in his eight games as skipper in IPL 2025. He urged the Rajasthan Royals management to either give Parag a longer rope or consider appointing Jaiswal as the new captain.

This statement came amid reports that Sanju Samson would be joining Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for IPL 2026. According to ESPNcricinfo, RR and CSK are attempting a trade involving Samson and all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran.

Speaking on his YouTube channel on Sunday (November 9), Kaif said:
“See, Riyan Parag has been playing for a few years, but Jaiswal has the international experience to lead the side. You can’t write that off. In my opinion, he should be the captain. Wherever he goes around the world, he’s scoring runs. His bad luck is that he hasn’t been able to play T20Is and ODIs for India yet. He’s ready but of course, there are Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Shubman Gill ahead of him. So, he’ll have to wait. But he has done everything with the bat. Jaiswal has more experience under pressure in terms of international exposure. Even if they make Parag the captain, they should give him time.”

### “You won’t find a coach like him” – Kaif Slams RR’s Decision to Let Go of Rahul Dravid

Mohammad Kaif also criticized Rajasthan Royals’ decision to part ways with their head coach Rahul Dravid ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.

The 44-year-old highlighted Dravid’s credentials, recalling that the coach led the Indian cricket team to the 2024 T20 World Cup victory before joining the Royals last year.

Kaif added:
“Dravid’s leaving is a big loss for the Rajasthan Royals because wins and losses happen. You can’t play well every year. Talking about Rahul Dravid, he guided India to the 2024 T20 World Cup a few months back. He did exceptionally well with Rohit Sharma. He has made himself with time. Dravid has an old-school style of coaching, and that’s why he could work so well with Rohit Sharma.”

He further commented:
“Things can go up or down with a young player, despite how talented they may be. Of course, RR would promote Riyan Parag, but they have let go of big players like Sanju Samson and even bigger Rahul Dravid. You won’t find a coach like him.”

### Rajasthan Royals Undergo Major Overhaul

Notably, Rajasthan Royals have been undergoing a major overhaul ahead of the 2026 auction. CEO Jake Lush McCrum and several coaches have also left the franchise during this period.

The inaugural IPL champions last reached the final in 2022, where they lost to the Gujarat Titans (GT).

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