K Srikkanth Criticizes Riyan Parag for Arrogance and Questioning His Place in the Team

Riyan Parag has been appointed as the captain of the Rajasthan Royals (RR) for the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The leadership change follows a significant roster overhaul in which the franchise traded Sanju Samson to the Chennai Super Kings for Rs 18 crore.

As part of the wider team restructuring, the Rajasthan Royals also acquired Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran before the mini-auction held in December 2025.

The decision to name the 24-year-old Parag as captain has drawn sharp criticism from former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth. Speaking on his YouTube channel on March 23, 2026, Srikkanth questioned the rationale behind the appointment, suggesting that Parag receives preferential treatment within the organization.

Everyone knows how he became the captain. That is their decision, but he is treated like the king there.

Krishnamachari Srikkanth

Questioning the Leadership Hierarchy

Srikkanth expressed surprise that the franchise overlooked more experienced players in the squad for the captaincy role. He specifically cited Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, and the recently acquired Ravindra Jadeja as potential leaders who were bypassed in favor of Parag.

The former Indian opener pointed to Parag’s inconsistent performance as a primary reason for his skepticism. While Srikkanth acknowledged that Parag performed brilliantly in 2024, he argued that the player’s form in 2025 was far from impressive and that he didn’t do anything deadly during that campaign.

This critique is supported by Parag’s record as a stand-in leader. During the 2025 season, while Sanju Samson was sidelined with an injury, Parag led the Rajasthan Royals in eight matches but managed to secure only two wins.

Critiques of Attitude and Performance

Beyond his statistical output, Srikkanth has criticized Parag’s demeanor and playing style. He labeled the captain as arrogant and accused him of playing casual shots in the name of style.

Srikkanth further claimed that Parag’s continued inclusion in the playing eleven is a result of his captaincy status rather than his on-field contributions.

Similar frustrations have surfaced among the team’s supporters. Following a lacklustre performance against the Delhi Capitals, which included a run-out on a free hit, some Rajasthan Royals fans questioned Parag’s role in the team on social media.

Player Profile and Team Outlook

Despite the current controversy, Riyan Parag has been a consistent presence for the Rajasthan Royals since joining the franchise as a teenager in 2019. His career statistics with the team include:

• 1,566 runs scored across 84 matches
• A career strike rate of 141.84
• Seven half-centuries
• Seven wickets taken with his off-spin

Regarding the team’s overall prospects for the 2026 season, Srikkanth described the Rajasthan Royals as a decent side with the potential to upset other opponents. However, he also warned that the team possesses a tendency to self-destruct.

Srikkanth suggested that the team’s success will hinge on the top order, noting that if two players in the top five perform well, the Royals could potentially beat any opposition team.