Jaipur: Former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth has stirred debate over Riyan Parag being named captain of Rajasthan Royals for the Indian Premier League 2026 season, questioning the decision and suggesting the youngster enjoys special backing within the franchise.
Srikkanth, speaking on his YouTube channel, claimed that Parag is “treated like a king” at Rajasthan Royals, raising eyebrows over the leadership call despite the presence of more experienced players in the squad.
Srikkanth raises concerns over leadership choice
The former opener did not hold back in his assessment, stating that Parag’s elevation to captaincy appeared surprising given his inconsistent performances in recent seasons.
“Everyone knows how he became the captain. That is their decision, but he is treated like a king there,” Srikkanth remarked.
While acknowledging that Parag had delivered a strong season earlier, he pointed out that the all-rounder failed to replicate that form in the previous campaign.
Big changes in Royals’ squad
Parag’s appointment came after a major shake-up in the Rajasthan Royals lineup. Former captain Sanju Samson was traded to Chennai Super Kings in a high-value deal reportedly worth ₹18 crore.
The trade also saw the inclusion of experienced players like Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran into the Royals squad ahead of the mini-auction.
Despite these additions, the franchise opted to back Parag as their long-term leader, a move that has drawn mixed reactions from experts and fans alike.
Overlooking experienced options
Srikkanth questioned why other promising and more consistent performers were not considered for the captaincy role. He cited players such as Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel, along with seasoned campaigner Jadeja, as potential alternatives.
Parag, who has been part of the Royals setup since his teenage years, has shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled with consistency. Last season, he scored 393 runs at a strike rate of 166.52 and even created a record by hitting six consecutive sixes in an innings against Kolkata Knight Riders.
However, his leadership record remains underwhelming. During a brief stint as stand-in captain last year, Parag managed just two wins in eight matches.
Mixed outlook for Rajasthan Royals
Looking ahead to the upcoming season, Srikkanth offered a balanced but cautious assessment of Rajasthan Royals’ prospects. He acknowledged the team’s potential to upset stronger opponents but highlighted their tendency to falter due to inconsistency.
He identified the opening combination of Jaiswal and Suryavanshi as a major strength, capable of turning games single-handedly. However, he expressed doubts over the team’s ability to sustain performance across a long tournament.
“They are a good side but not a dangerous one. They are not a championship-winning side,” Srikkanth said, adding that the team appears to be a “50-50” contender for playoff qualification.
Conclusion
Srikkanth’s comments have reignited discussions around leadership choices in franchise cricket, especially when balancing potential against proven performance.
While Rajasthan Royals have shown faith in Riyan Parag as a long-term captaincy option, the upcoming IPL season will be crucial in determining whether that trust translates into consistent results on the field.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by News Karnataka staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)