Kumar Sangakkara admitted that Rajasthan Royals had to go through a period of discomfort after two off-field controversies involving senior members of the franchise had attracted the attention of the IPL Governing Council and BCCI ahead of the clash against Delhi Capitals in Jaipur.

Stand-in captain involved in latest incident Riyan Parag, who was caught on camera using an e-cigarette In the team dugout during Rajasthan’s recent match against Punjab Kings. This footage quickly spread on social media and led to IPL Parag was fined 20 percent of his match fee for violating the league’s code of conduct. No suspension was imposed.

he came a few days later Rajasthan team manager Romi Bhinder was also fined by the IPL Governing Council. Bhinder was seen using his phone inside the team dugout during a match, and teenage batsman Vaibhav Suryavanshi was sitting next to him. The IPL fined Bhinder Rs 1 lakh for the violation, but did not ban him again.

Now that Rajasthan is facing increasing scrutiny over repeated disciplinary lapses, Sangakkara admitted that the incidents have not had a good impact on the franchise and said that both the matters have already been addressed internally and by the authorities.

A reminder for Rajasthan Royals

“Such controversies are not positive for the team and all I can say is that both the issues have been addressed by the BCCI and the franchise,” Sangakkara was quoted as saying by Sportstar on the eve of Rajasthan’s meeting with Delhi Capitals.

“It’s a reminder to the players that they have to maintain the team culture.”

Sangakkara made it clear that the Royals are keen to focus on cricket as they prepare for an important home match in Jaipur. Rajasthan remains in the race for the playoffs and cannot afford any more distractions at the crucial stage of the season.

The Royals coach also reflected on the change in momentum from their previous outing and pointed to the importance of small but decisive contributions in shaping the results.

“His short innings changed the momentum in our direction,” Sangakkara said. “He brought the momentum back in our favour.”

Sangakkara is also hopeful that the conditions in Jaipur will present a more solid surface, with Rajasthan preparing for a high-quality encounter against a Delhi team still looking for its rhythm.

“And it looks like it’s another good pitch out there,” he said. “We expect nothing less than the best from DC.”

Now the challenge for Rajasthan is simple. The Royals will have to ensure that their performances rather than disciplinary lapses remain the talking point as the tournament enters the decisive phase.

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