Former India opener Kris Srikkanth launched a sharp attack on Riyan Parag following Rajasthan Royals’ heavy defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2026.
The criticism came after RR suffered a 57-run defeat, their first loss of the season, in the Rajasthan Royals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad IPL 2026 clash. Parag, who has struggled with the bat this season, managed only four runs as the Royals were bundled out for 159 while chasing 217.
Srikkanth questions Parag’s captaincy decisions
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth did not hold back while criticising the RR skipper. He particularly questioned Parag’s decision not to use Ravindra Jadeja during a key phase of the game when Ishan Kishan was batting.
“He’s only there for style. As usual, he did nothing with the bat and spoke at the post-match presentation. He’s just there for style and does nothing else. He doesn’t bowl Jadeja an over and then offers an explanation that a left-hander was playing. Is there some rule that a left-arm spinner can’t bowl to a left-hander?” Srikkanth said.
The remark has intensified discussions around Riyan Parag poor form IPL, with the RR captain scoring just 49 runs in five matches so far in the tournament.
Ishan Kishan’s blitz sets up SRH victory
After being put in to bat, Sunrisers Hyderabad posted a massive 216/6. Kishan starred with a blistering 44-ball 91, while Heinrich Klaasen added a quick 26-ball 40 to push the total past the 200 mark.
Earlier, Jofra Archer had given the Royals a dream start by dismissing Abhishek Sharma on the first ball of the innings. However, Kishan soon counter-attacked and dominated the RR bowling attack.
In reply, Rajasthan’s chase collapsed early. Two debutants, Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain, triggered the downfall with four wickets each, leaving the Royals far short of the target.
RR bowlers come under fire
Srikkanth also criticised the performance of the Royals’ bowling unit. He highlighted that the combined spells of Sandeep Sharma, Tushar Deshpande and Ravi Bishnoi proved extremely expensive.
“The 11 overs between Tushar Deshpande, Sandeep Sharma and Ravi Bishnoi went for 142 runs. That’s where the match was over. Wherever Sandeep bowled, they smashed him, and Deshpande was a total failure,” Srikkanth said.
Despite the defeat, Rajasthan Royals remain among the strong contenders in IPL 2026 Rajasthan Royals news, but the team management will be concerned about their bowling combination going forward.
The Royals now have a short break before their next assignment against Kolkata Knight Riders on April 19 at Eden Gardens.
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