Overview
- Ravichandran Ashwin said Riyan Parag does not currently fit India’s ODI No. 5/6 brief, urging him to show he can finish innings and bowl overs in domestic and IPL roles.
- Ashwin cited Ruturaj Gaikwad’s move to No. 4 as an example of players demonstrating flexibility to meet selection demands.
- Parag confirmed RR will name a new captain only after the Dec. 16 mini‑auction and said he is prepared to lead if chosen but will not dwell on it now.
- Rajasthan Royals must replace Sanju Samson following his trade to CSK, a deal that brought Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to Jaipur and created a leadership vacancy.
- Parag attributed his current absence from India duty to a shoulder issue, noted mixed recent domestic form, and pointed to prior leadership stints, including eight IPL games as RR stand‑in captain in 2025.