'Everyone knows how he became captain': Ex-India captain's cryptic dig at Riyan Parag
Former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth has raised questions about Riyan Parag's appointment as Rajasthan Royals captain for IPL 2026. Srikkanth suggests Parag receives preferential treatment within the franchise. He noted Parag's inconsistent performance last season.
The Royals' chances for the upcoming season are seen as unpredictable. Their top order has the potential to win matches.
Former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth has stirred debate over Riyan Parag being appointed captain of Rajasthan Royals ahead of IPL 2026, suggesting that the 24-year-old may have benefited from preferential backing within the franchise. Parag is set to take over the leadership role from Sanju Samson, who was traded to Chennai Super Kings for Rs 18 crore in a high-profile deal that saw Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran move in the opposite direction ahead of the mini-auction last December. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth questioned the decision to hand Parag the captaincy over more established names within the squad.
“Everyone knows how he became the captain. That is their decision but he is treated like the king there. Parag didn't have a good season last year, but the year before last, he did brilliantly.
Last year, he didn't do anything deadly,” he said. With Samson sidelined due to injury last season, Parag had already led the Royals in eight matches, managing just two wins. Despite that record, the franchise backed him ahead of other contenders such as Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel and the newly acquired Jadeja.