IPL 2026: 'Riyan Parag is just there for Style' - Former India player takes Ugly Dig at Rajasthan Royals Captain

Former India player Krishnamachari Srikkanth has taken an ugly dig at Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag after their defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2026 on Monday (April 13).

RR suffered a 57-run defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Monday, prompting sharp criticism from Srikkanth toward RR skipper Riyan Parag. SRH posted 216 for six, powered by Ishan Kishan's 91 off 44 balls, before restricting RR to 159 in 19 overs.

Parag's batting form has drawn attention this IPL season. He has crossed 20 runs only once, and on Monday, he scored just 4 amid a top-order collapse during a tough chase. His tactical choices also faced questions, including not using Ravindra Jadeja despite bowling an over himself.

Srikkanth expressed his views on his YouTube channel, targeting Parag's performance and decisions.

"He's only there for style. As usual, he did nothing with the bat and spoke at the post-match presentation. He's just there for style and does nothing else. He doesn't bowl Jadeja an over and then offers an explanation that a left-hander was playing. Is there some rule that a left-arm spinner can't bowl to a left-hander? It's absurd," Srikkanth said.

He also highlighted RR's bowling struggles, noting the 11 overs from Tushar Deshpande, Sandeep Sharma, and Ravi Bishnoi cost 142 runs.

"The 11 overs between Tushar Deshpande, Sandeep Sharma, and Ravi Bishnoi went for 142 runs. That's where the match was over. Wherever Sandeep Sharma bowled, they smashed him, and Deshpande was a total failure. Suddenly, RR also has to start thinking about their bowling combination. If they bowl like this, they'll receive a thrashing," Srikkanth added.

Riyan Parag has struggled in IPL 2026 so far

Parag has been unable to showcase his batting prowess in this IPL season, with just 49 runs at an average of just 12.25, but his captaincy has been praised across the fraternity. RR, currently placed at the top of the IPL table, will play their next match against the Kolkata Knight Riders on April 19.