‘Riyan Parag just there for style and does nothing else’: Srikkanth goes hammer and tongs at RR skipper

Ex-India skipper Srikkanth slammed Riyan Parag, calling him “there only for style” while questioning his batting struggles.

Updated on: Apr 14, 2026, 11:48:47 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

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Former India batter Krishnamachari Srikkanth didn’t mince words while criticising Rajasthan Royals skipper Riyan Parag after their defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad on Monday. The Royals were outplayed on the night, and a few of Parag’s captaincy decisions came under scrutiny. His own form with the bat has also been a concern, especially in a steep chase where he failed to make an impact again. So far this season, Parag has crossed the 20-run mark just once, raising questions despite RR’s strong start that saw them win four games on the trot before this setback. He was dismissed for just 4 on Monday, when his team needed him in the middle after a top-order collapse as RR eventually lost the match by 57 runs.

Riyan Parag came under the scanner after loss against SRH. (PTI)

Meanwhile, in the clash against SRH, Parag’s decision not to use Ravindra Jadeja with the ball came as a surprise to many. He even bowled an over himself, but the veteran all-rounder wasn’t given a chance to roll his arm over.

Ex-India skipper Srikkanth slammed Parag, calling him “there only for style” while questioning his batting struggles and baffling calls, including not using Jadeja with the ball.

"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? It's absurd," Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel.

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SRH outplayed RR

SRH, having posted 216 for six on the back of skipper Ishan Kishan's 44-ball 91, bundled out the in-form RR for 159 in 19 overs, returning to winning ways in style after back-to-back losses.

He further criticised RR’s bowling, pointing out how the combined spells of Tushar Deshpande, Sandeep Sharma and Ravi Bishnoi conceded heavily and effectively took the game away.

"The 11 overs between Tushar Deshpande, Sandeep Sharma, and Ravi Bishnoi went for 142 runs. That's where the match was over. Wherever Sandeep Sharma bowled, they smashed him, and Deshpande was a total failure. Suddenly, RR also has to start thinking about their bowling combination. If they bowl like this, they'll receive a thrashing," said Srikkanth

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

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