Former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth has launched a sharp, no-holds-barred critique of Riyan Parag, taking aim at the Rajasthan Royals skipper after another underwhelming stretch with the bat in the ongoing IPL season. While the Royals have managed to remain in the top four—collecting four wins from six games—Srikkanth says Parag’s lack of impact, especially during high-pressure moments, has become impossible to ignore. With Rajasthan losing back-to-back matches, the spotlight has also shifted to what he views as an overly heavy dependence on the top-order batting unit, leaving the middle overs looking brittle.
Srikkanth’s blow-by-blow concern over Parag and Rajasthan’s batting balance
Srikkanth’s criticism centres on Parag’s repeated inability to contribute meaningfully when games tighten. He argues that Parag has not offered the kind of leadership or stabilising influence Rajasthan requires during difficult phases, and he suggests the Royals’ batting structure is being stretched beyond its comfort zone.
- Despite Rajasthan Royals holding a top-four position with four wins in six matches, Srikkanth believes Parag’s batting returns have failed to match the team’s needs.
- He claims Parag has struggled to deliver in crunch situations and has not guided the side through tough stretches in the tournament.
- With the Royals falling into consecutive defeats, Srikkanth points to an increasing over-reliance on the top-order, making the middle order look fragile.
- He highlights the batting dependence on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Yashasvi Jaiswal, along with No. 3 batter Dhruv Jurel, suggesting the middle phase lacks depth and reliability.
Rahane enters the debate as Srikkanth mocks Parag’s impact
In one of his most pointed remarks, Srikkanth even brought Ajinkya Rahane into the conversation, implying both players are battling for the dubious tag of being the lowest-impact performer in their batting group this season.
He said on his YouTube channel that Parag appears to contribute little with the bat and ball, adding that the comparison with Rahane has become a running contest. Srikkanth’s view is that Parag has produced a strong showing in one earlier season, but has not sustained that level since.
- Srikkanth’s quote: “Parag, as usual, is fit only for his stylish walks after doing nothing with bat and ball. There is a competition between him and Rahane as to who’s the worst batter. Parag did well one season, and that’s it.”
- He also contrasts their current-season outputs, pointing to Rahane’s tally of 152 runs from seven matches at a strike rate of 144.76.
- For Parag, Srikkanth cites 61 runs from his matches at a strike rate of 122, using those numbers to underline his struggles.
Table talk: KKR at the bottom, Rajasthan third, and Mumbai’s potential surge
Srikkanth also assessed the wider tournament picture, noting the contrasting fortunes across the points table. He said Kolkata Knight Riders remain rooted to the bottom after only one win in seven outings, while Rajasthan Royals sit third in the standings.
At the same time, he referenced Mumbai Indians’ most recent result—describing their 99-run victory over Gujarat Titans as a major statement that could flip their season momentum.
Mumbai’s turnaround and the “late surge” argument
- Mumbai Indians reignited their campaign with a dominant 99-run win over Gujarat Titans.
- Srikkanth believes that emphatic performance can act as a turning point for the five-time champions, who had been searching for rhythm.
- He backed Mumbai to mount a late surge, stressing their track record in high-pressure games where results can change quickly.
Playoff chances for KKR and LSG dismissed
Turning to the playoff race, Srikkanth was blunt about two sides’ prospects, arguing that they are effectively out of contention.
- He said Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants are already knocked out from the playoff discussion.
- His view is that their remaining fight will be for positions 9 and 10 rather than for the top spots.
- Srikkanth’s quote: “MI have the ability to do well in big matches, which can suddenly vault them to the playoffs. After this match, there is no way anyone can write MI off. KKR and LSG, of course, are already knocked out. They’ll only fight for 9th vs 10th.”
SRH vs DC preview: Srikkanth picks SRH and questions Delhi’s No. 3
Finally, Srikkanth looked ahead to the clash between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Delhi Capitals, backing SRH as clear favourites. He also pointed to a specific structural concern in Delhi’s batting order, questioning the decision to use Karun Nair at No. 3 in a T20 setup.
- Srikkanth’s prediction: Sunrisers Hyderabad will be favourites against Delhi Capitals.
- He flagged a “No. 3 problem” for Delhi, saying Karun Nair is being played at that position.
- Srikkanth’s quote: “DC have a No.3 problem. They are playing Karun Nair there. He’s a Test match player playing T20.”
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