Parag, who was given leadership responsibilities in the previous season in the absence of Sanju Samson, struggled to make a significant impact with the bat. With the franchise continuing to back the young all-rounder, questions have emerged about whether RR made the right call.
Badrinath did not hold back in his assessment, suggesting that Jaiswal, who has already represented India in Tests and ODIs, would have been the more obvious choice.
“Yashasvi Jaiswal has represented India so much and is the future of Indian cricket. He is already playing Test and ODI cricket. So, to not back him and go with Riyan Parag is definitely wrong. Probably, Yashasvi doesn’t have any relative who is an owner of RR,” Badrinath said on his YouTube channel. “I also wonder if RR tried to entice Jadeja from CSK with captaincy discussions, but that didn’t materialize.”
Despite the criticism, Riyan Parag remains one of the most exciting young talents in Indian cricket. Known for his aggressive batting, ability to hit big sixes, and contributions with the ball, he is a genuine all-rounder.
Speaking about his captaincy appointment ahead of the 2026 IPL season, the 24-year-old said:
“Rajasthan Royals has been my home in the IPL since day one. This franchise has backed me, developed me, and pushed me to grow every season. To now lead this team is incredibly special, and it’s a responsibility I fully embrace. I’m excited to work alongside our coaches and leadership group to play fearless, smart cricket and make our fans proud,” Parag told RR.
In his IPL career so far, Parag has played 83 matches, scoring 1,566 runs at a strike rate of over 140, and has also claimed seven wickets, showcasing his all-round ability.
