Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has launched a sharp critique of Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag after the Royals suffered defeat to Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2026, arguing that the skipper’s choices in key moments—especially around Ravindra Jadeja—cost RR dearly. Ashwin’s assessment, delivered on his YouTube channel, focused on how a captain should manage match-ups and trust match-winning bowlers when the game is on the line.
Ashwin’s criticism: captaincy and trust in the middle overs
Ashwin pointed to a pivotal phase where Jadeja, despite being highly effective, was not given the kind of backing Ashwin believes a captain must show to influence the contest. He noted that Jadeja conceded only eight runs in his three-over spell and also struck twice, yet was not preferred at a crucial stage against left-handed batters.
“When you have a world-class spinner who conceded just 8 runs in 3 overs, but you think you’re an off-spinner who can bowl to these two left-handers and not Jaddu—that reflects poor captaincy. Even if Jadeja’s deliveries get hit for six, it’s still the captain’s duty to back his bowlers,” Ashwin said.
Ashwin further argued that the damage from such decisions goes beyond a single over, affecting how bowlers approach future match-ups. In his view, hesitation created by not using a proven performer against left-handers can alter a bowler’s mindset and willingness to execute plans.
“Aap long term jo bowling par bhraossa dikha sakta hai, because if a left-arm spinner will know that he don’t have to bowl to left-handers, wo koshish bhi nahi karega. If Jadeja would’ve bowled and taken wicket of Rinku, he would have been the man of the match,” he explained.
How KKR chased it down after a shaky start
The criticism arrived after a match in which Rajasthan had strong spells but ultimately let the contest slip. KKR vice-captain Rinku Singh provided the decisive impact, finishing unbeaten on 53 and steering his side to a four-wicket triumph.
- Rinku began his chase with an early lifeline, being dropped on 8—off the bowling of Ravindra Jadeja.
- After that reprieve, Rinku seized control and built momentum, growing his innings from that start.
- He then forged a match-defining 76-run partnership with Anukul Roy, which shifted the pressure firmly onto Rajasthan.
- KKR ultimately completed the chase with two balls remaining, sealing the win despite RR’s earlier control with the ball.
Rajasthan’s 155/9 and KKR’s bowling plan
Before KKR’s chase, Rajasthan Royals had been restricted to 155/9. KKR’s bowling attack set the tone early, with Varun Chakravarthy leading the spin assault by returning figures of 3/14 and Sunil Narine supporting with 2/26. Kartik Tyagi also contributed by taking three wickets, ensuring RR could not build a runaway total.
Even with Jadeja delivering an influential spell in the middle overs, Rajasthan failed to finish the job. Ashwin suggested that the collapse in the closing stages traced back to a lack of confidence in the most reliable match-winners at critical junctures.
