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Following one-run defeat against Kolkata Knight Riders in a nail-biting IPL 2025 contest, Rajasthan Royals' (RR) stand-in captain Riyan Parag took responsibility for the loss, attributing it to his own batting strategy during his explosive 95-run knock. While Parag's batting blitz was instrumental in keeping RR in contention during their chase of 207 runs, he conceded in the post-match analysis that he should have adopted a more aggressive approach and aimed to conclude the game earlier, or at the very least, remained at the crease until the final over, which ultimately determined the outcome of the match.
Riyan Parag takes all blame for RR's 1-run defeat against KKR
After powerful batting displays from Andre Russell, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, and Rinku Singh propelled KKR to a total of 206 runs, RR' chase heavily depended on Parag's brilliant 95 runs scored off just 45 deliveries. However, his dismissal in the 18th over disrupted Rajasthan's momentum. Despite some powerful hits from impact substitute Shubham Dubey in the final over bowled by Vaibhav Arora, the Rajasthan Royals ultimately fell short of the target by a mere one run.
Reflecting on the closely contested match, a visibly disappointed Riyan rued missing the opportunity to see his team through to victory and secure a much-needed win for RR. This narrow defeat marked yet another close encounter that did not go their way.
During the post-match presentation, Parag also said that he is feeling off to give an interview being the losing captain.
"I was planning to stay till the last 2 overs, but unfortunately I got out in the 18th over. It was a miscalculation from my side. I think we could have found better options in the last 6 overs. Maybe other bowling options. No one to complain but ourselves, we should have finished it. We could have done something else in hindsight. He (Russell) was 2 off 10 balls and the way he accelerated after that, it was great to watch. It's a ground where sixes are hit. The wicket was a little tricky, so I had to pick my battles. I think I did it pretty well, until the time I got out. I have been telling that to myself, feels off to give an interview (as the losing captain.) We weren't clinical on the field and the consequences are here," Parag said after the match.
Going after a big target of 207 runs, RR's chase came down to needing 22 runs in the final over, bowled by Vaibhav Arora. Shubham Dubey's spirited hitting, which included two sixes and a four, kept Rajasthan's hopes flickering, leaving them with just 3 runs required off the final ball. However, the contest reached a dramatic conclusion when a swift and precise throw from Rinku Singh led to Jofra Archer being run out while attempting a crucial second run. This crucial moment handed a nail-biting one-run victory to KKR.
Parag's RR will next lock horns with CSK on May 12 at the MA Chidambaram stadium.
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