Noise never gets to me: Riyan Parag hits back at RR captaincy critics after CSK win

Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag brushed aside criticism over his leadership after guiding his side to a dominant win over Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026. Parag said outside opinions and unnecessary noise do not affect him as he looks to lead RR with clarity and confidence.

Parag began his first full season as RR captain on a strong note, leading from the front as the Royals secured an emphatic eight-wicket win in Guwahati on March 30. The victory not only marked a perfect start to their campaign but also offered Parag the opportunity to respond to questions over his captaincy.

RR vs CSK, IPL 2026: HIGHLIGHTS | SCORECARD

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Parag reiterated that he has learnt to block out external criticism and focus solely on his game and decision-making process.

“I think if I start talking about the journey, it’s going to be a long answer. But like I said earlier, it’s a lot of things that go outside my game, a lot of opinions about me off the field, which is something I’ve learned not to let affect me. I think I’m doing that pretty well, and the same has happened this year as well."

He also highlighted how narratives in cricket tend to shift purely based on results, regardless of the thought process behind decisions.

“It’s the irony with cricket. If I had done the same things today and they had scored 200 and we had lost the game, the narrative would have been that I’m a bad captain or that I made bad decisions. That’s why, even after the game ended, I went to the dressing room and spoke with my analyst about what I could have done better. He had a point that I could have given Bishnoi another over, and I explained my reasoning—why I didn’t bring him on, because Overton was batting and he might have hit him for a couple of sixes or whatever.

“So I think it’s very result-based, result-oriented. If we end up on the winning side, everything looks better. But I feel if you’re saying this now, I expect you to say the same when we lose a game and analyse it properly.”

HOW RIYAN PARAG'S RR CAPTAINCY WAS CRITICISED

Parag’s appointment as RR’s full-time captain ahead of IPL 2026 had sparked debate, especially given his limited track record as a leader at the top level.

He had led the side in eight matches during IPL 2025 when Sanju Samson was unavailable, but the team managed just two wins in that period. Former India selector Kris Srikkanth was among those who questioned the decision, suggesting that Parag was being backed despite inconsistent results.

Critics also pointed to the presence of more experienced players like Ravindra Jadeja and Yashasvi Jaiswal, arguing that RR had overlooked proven leadership options.

However, head coach Kumar Sangakkara backed the decision, highlighting Parag’s maturity, vision and long-term leadership potential.

HOW RR THRASHED CSK IN GUWAHATI

RR justified that backing with a clinical performance against CSK in Guwahati.

After being put in to bat, CSK struggled on a surface that offered early movement and were restricted to 127, one of their lowest totals in IPL history. The new-ball burst from Jofra Archer and Nandre Burger proved decisive, as they exploited the conditions brilliantly during the powerplay.

In reply, RR chased down the target in just 12.1 overs, with teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi smashing a stunning 50 off 15 balls to seal a one-sided win.

Despite expectations around CSK’s revamped lineup, the absence of MS Dhoni and Dewald Brevis exposed their lack of depth, as RR made a strong statement to begin their campaign.

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