Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag on 20 May called out television commentators and analysts for making personal remarks about players during the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, urging them to confine their commentary to on-field cricket. His remarks came after RR secured a crucial seven-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) — a result that has significantly strengthened the team's playoff prospects.

What Parag Said

Speaking to reporters after the match, Parag — who sat out the game due to a recurring hamstring injury — delivered a pointed message to broadcasters. 'We are humans too and we make mistakes too. So, I feel, as much as it is happening outside, especially the commentators, their voices are reaching out to the people, I would request them to love cricket and talk about cricket,' he said.

Parag also pushed back against critics who are quick to question players' skills after low-scoring collapses. 'It is very easy to say, if a team gets all out for 75 or 80 runs, that they do not know how to play or have the mindset to play. But before that game, there is a 3-4 days' preparation (period) to ensure how we can score 200-250,' he explained.

A Call for Respect Toward the Sport

Parag, who was recently named India 'A' vice-captain for next month's 50-over tri-series in Sri Lanka, framed his appeal in broader terms. 'The sport, which is the country's most important sport, and in which we are the best, I feel, (should be treated) with a little respect. We should only talk about cricket. We should not talk about anything else,' he said.

On managing external criticism personally, Parag said he has learned to block out the noise. 'I have understood one thing that you have been saying for the last four years, that no matter what I do, there will be talks... it shouldn't affect my game, my form or my mindset because keyboard warriors are outsiders,' he added.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's Standout Knock

Parag also heaped praise on teenage teammate Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, describing the youngster's 93 off 38 balls against LSG as his finest IPL innings to date. 'I think this was his best innings. When he was 5 off 10 or 11, there is always two ways to go about it... he took his time. He played that first big shot off Mayank Yadav over covers, which really gave me a sense of satisfaction,' Parag said.

Parag noted that Sooryavanshi's composure at just 15 years of age signalled a maturity well beyond his years. 'He is small but then he has a larger understanding of the game,' the captain observed.

RR's Playoff Outlook

The win over LSG has bolstered Rajasthan Royals' position in the IPL 2026 standings, keeping their playoff campaign firmly alive. With Parag expected to return from injury in the coming fixtures, the team will look to build on this momentum. How the squad manages fitness and external distractions in the final stretch of the league stage could prove decisive.