IPL 2026: 'Parag is playing because he is the captain': Kris Srikkanth slams RR skipper Riyan Parag

Former India's star batter Krishnamachari Srikkanth did not hold back in his criticism of Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag, slamming what he described as a casual approach during their IPL 2026 clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Despite the team being in a commanding position, Srikkanth felt the skipper's lack of focus was a major lapse in leadership during the high-stakes match.

Riyan Parag got out casually in the name of style: Kris Srikkanth

The chase of 202 runs had been brilliantly set up by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, whose explosive onslaught saw him plunder 78 runs from just 26 balls. His performance had effectively reduced the game to a simple equation for the Royals, turning a daunting target into a very manageable task for the remaining batting lineup.

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However, the momentum shifted when Parag came to the crease. With the team needing only 48 runs from 62 deliveries, the captain had a golden opportunity to anchor the innings and see the game through. Instead, he threw his wicket away after scoring only three runs from five balls, a dismissal that Srikkanth highlighted as a reckless missed opportunity given how little pressure was actually on the scoreboard at the time.

"Parag is just playing because he is the captain. Riyan Parag got out casually in the name of style. He has played so many seasons and done well only a couple of times. Today, he got out because of arrogance. He could have shown responsibility and gotten himself back to form, also," Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel.

While the captain's early departure could have been a setback, it ultimately placed little strain on RR's chase. This was largely due to the exceptional form of Dhruv Jurel, who remained composed at the other end. Jurel took full control of the innings, striking the ball flawlessly to guide his team to victory with a brilliant, unbeaten knock of 81 runs.

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I urge the selectors to fast-track him Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: Srikkanth

Srikkanth was full of admiration for Jurel’s performance, emphasizing that the youngster’s promotion to the number three spot is a significant and positive development for the franchise. Srikkanth noted that having a player of Jurel's caliber in such a pivotal position provides the team with a reliable backbone for their batting order. In addition to praising the current lineup, Srikkanth made a bold appeal to the BCCI regarding the sensational Sooryavanshi. Blown away by the youngster's talent, the former cricketer urged officials to fast-track him into the national setup immediately, suggesting that Sooryavanshi is already prepared to represent India in the very next T20I series.

"Jurel played an effortless knock. Yet, he matched Sooryavanshi shot for shot. He played some extraordinary shots. And Jurel at No.3 is a big thing for them. But they should have won the match in the 16th over itself," Srikkanth added.

"I urge the selectors to fast-track him (Sooryavanshi) to the T20 side. He should play India's next series. They should tell him beforehand that he won't be dropped for 15 matches. Give him 15 innings straight, and he will win eight matches singlehandedly for you. He left the RCB bowlers clueless. Such was his impact," he concluded.