New RR owner Laxmi Mittal meets players ahead of GT tie, chats with Riyan, Jaiswal

Ahead of Rajasthan Royals' must-win clash against the Gujarat Titans, they had a special guest come in to meet them at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. New RR owner Laksmi N. Mittal came in to meet the players and held long chats with captain Riyan Parag and Yashasvi Jaiswal.

The Mittal Family, headed by Lakshmi N. Mittal and Aditya Mittal, entered into a definitive agreement to purchase the franchise in a deal reportedly worth nearly USD 1.65 billion (approximately Rs 15,660 crore). The takeover is being carried out alongside Serum Institute of India CEO Adar Poonawalla, with the consortium acquiring the franchise from Manoj Badale and the current group of investors. The valuation includes the Royals’ wider cricket ecosystem, covering the IPL franchise as well as the Paarl Royals in South Africa and the Barbados Royals in the Caribbean.

Once the transaction is completed, which is expected during the third quarter of 2026, the Mittal Family will control a 75 percent stake in the franchise. Poonawalla is set to hold around 18%, while the remaining 7% will continue to be owned by existing shareholders, including Badale.

In a video that has now gone viral, Mittal was seen interacting with the players during their practice session on the eve of the GT game. The new RR owner met with Ravindra Jadeja and the support staff.

The players he interacted with the most appeared to be Jaiswal, but he also had a chance to speak with Riyan. You can see the full video below:

RAJASTHAN EYEING PLAYOFF SPOT

RR are right in the midst of the playoff race that seems to be heating up after each matchday. After getting off to a bright start, the inaugural IPL champions have stuttered a bit in the last five games, but remain in fourth spot with 12 points to their name.

A big win on Saturday will help Rajasthan move to the second spot on the points table ahead of PBKS.

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