Ashwin Slams Parag: Jadeja's Trust Issues Exposed

Ravichandran Ashwin has thrown some serious shade at Riyan Parag, questioning his captaincy decisions during the Rajasthan Royals’ recent defeats. In a surprising move, Parag decided to hold back Ravindra Jadeja, a world-class left-arm spinner, during crucial moments against KKR, despite Jadeja’s impressive figures earlier in the match. Ashwin didn't mince words, labelling this choice as a lack of trust in his players, which could damage their morale long-term.

After a strong start to the IPL 2026 season, the Royals have hit a rough patch, losing two consecutive matches. Ashwin pointed out that while stats are important, they shouldn’t overshadow a player's experience and skill. He highlighted that Jadeja had only conceded minimal runs and taken wickets, yet was sidelined in favour of less experienced bowlers like Brijesh Sharma. This baffling strategy has left many scratching their heads.

According to Ashwin, if Jadeja had been given the opportunity to bowl in the death overs, he could have changed the game. Instead, Parag opted for Sharma, who has less IPL experience, putting the team's trust and performance at risk. As Ashwin put it, "You wouldn’t bench a star batter; why treat your bowlers any differently?" With the Royals needing to bounce back, Parag will need to reassess his strategies and show faith in seasoned players like Jadeja.