Former India opener Krishnamachari Srikkanth has sparked a strong debate with his blunt assessment of batting struggles in IPL 2026, taking aim at Riyan Parag and Ajinkya Rahane. As teams push for consistency midway through the tournament, Srikkanth’s remarks have put the spotlight firmly on underperforming middle-order batters.

Despite Rajasthan Royals holding a place in the top four, concerns around Parag’s form continue to grow. The young skipper has struggled to deliver impactful performances, particularly in pressure situations. With consecutive defeats exposing vulnerabilities, RR’s dependence on their top order—featuring Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Dhruv Jurel—has become increasingly evident.

The lack of support from the middle order has disrupted the team’s balance and momentum. Kris Srikkanth didn’t mince his words while criticising Parag’s repeated failures this season and questioning his overall contribution.

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“Parag, as usual, is fit only for his stylish walks after doing nothing with bat and ball,” he said. “There is a competition between him and Rahane as to who is the worst batter.”

He also pointed out that Parag’s performances have not matched expectations, especially after a promising season in the past. On the other hand, Rahane’s numbers have been relatively better, with 152 runs from seven matches at a strike rate of 144.76, while Parag has managed just 61 runs at a strike rate of 122.

Beyond individual criticism, Srikkanth also weighed in on the bigger picture of the tournament. He backed Mumbai Indians to stage a comeback, citing their experience and ability to perform in high-pressure matches. “MI can do well in big matches, which can suddenly push them into the playoffs,” he said. “At this stage, they cannot be written off.”

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In contrast, he expressed doubts over the chances of Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants, suggesting they may struggle to stay relevant in the playoff race. As IPL 2026 progresses, the pressure is mounting on key players to deliver, and performances in the coming matches could define the trajectory of several teams still fighting for a top-four finish.