Krishnamachari Srikkanth has continued his no-holds-barred commentary during the IPL 2026 campaign, taking aim at performances with a bluntness that has become his trademark. The former India World Cup winner from the 1983 squad has recently directed his criticism toward Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag, questioning both his impact and decision-making on the field.
Quick facts
- Srikkanth criticised Rajasthan Royals skipper Riyan Parag’s batting returns: 14*, 8, 20, 3, 4, 12.
- Srikkanth compared Parag with Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane, whose IPL 2026 scores are listed as: 67, 8, 8*, 41, 28, 0, 0.
- Srikkanth questioned why Parag did not give Ravindra Jadeja an over against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
- Srikkanth praised Mumbai Indians’ 99-run win over Gujarat Titans on Monday.
- Srikkanth said SRH are favourites versus Delhi Capitals on Tuesday, citing a “No. 3 problem” for DC.
Srikkanth’s latest remarks put Parag’s form under the spotlight. So far in IPL 2026, the spin-bowling all-rounder’s knock-by-knock returns are stated as 14*, 8, 20, 3, 4 and 12, which Srikkanth linked to a broader concern about what Parag brings in matches.
He then sharpened the comparison by suggesting Parag is in a race for the title of “worst batter,” with Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane. Rahane’s IPL 2026 figures are listed as 67, 8, 8*, 41, 28, 0 and 0—an output Srikkanth weighed alongside Parag’s own struggles.
In the discussion, Srikkanth also addressed the perception of style over substance. He was quoted saying Parag appears more interested in “stylish walks” after not doing enough with bat and ball, adding that the captain’s on-field contributions have not matched the attention around his appearance and mannerisms.
Worst batter debate
Srikkanth’s son Anirudha asked him directly who was worse—Parag or Rahane—framing it as a contest for the “worst batter’s tag.” Srikkanth responded that both are effectively competing for that label, while also saying Parag managed to do well in one season and then that was it.
From there, Srikkanth widened the criticism beyond batting scores. He argued that while Rajasthan Royals may be a consistent franchise overall in IPL 2026, Parag has not convinced him with his performances or match usage—especially in moments where he believes a captain should make a clear tactical call.
One particular incident drew fresh anger from Srikkanth. He lambasted Parag for not providing Ravindra Jadeja with even a single over against Sunrisers Hyderabad, and then questioned the justification that was reportedly offered, which centred on the presence of a left-hander in the team.
Srikkanth’s point was that there is no sensible restriction that prevents a left-arm spinner from bowling to a left-handed batter. He described the explanation as absurd, saying that Parag did not give Jadeja an over and then tried to justify it by citing the left-hand option—an approach he said does not hold up under cricket logic.
While continuing to attack Parag’s captaincy choices, Srikkanth also balanced the coverage with praise for Mumbai Indians. He highlighted the impact of MI’s 99-run win over Gujarat Titans on Monday, describing it as the kind of result that can quickly shift a team’s trajectory toward the playoffs.
He added that after such a statement win, it becomes difficult to dismiss MI. In his assessment, Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants are already out of the race, and the remaining battle would likely be for the ninth and tenth positions.
SRH vs DC preview
Looking ahead to Tuesday’s IPL 2026 match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Delhi Capitals, Srikkanth predicted SRH would start as favourites. He pointed to what he called a “No. 3 problem” for DC, specifically mentioning that Karun Nair is being used in that slot.
Srikkanth’s view was that Nair is primarily a Test match player, implying that DC’s batting balance could be exposed in the T20 format if the top-order structure does not fit the demands of the game. With that, his preview closed on a clear message: SRH should have the upper hand heading into the contest.
