'I know on TV it looks like a gamble, but...': Riyan Parag defends giving 18th over to part-timer Donovan Ferreira

UPDATED: May 18, 2026 08:33 AM IST

Rajasthan Royals skipper Riyan Parag speaks to the broadcasters after loss to Delhi Capitals; Donovan Ferreira in action.

Story Highlights:

Donovan Ferreira bowled his 3rd over of the season against Delhi Capitals.

Ferreira has taken just one wicket in the season so far.

Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) playoffs chances took a huge dent as Delhi Capitals (DC) beat them again in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. In both the innings, the bowling team made a comeback before slog overs. In DC’s run chase, they needed 35 runs from three overs with David Miller and skipper Axar Patel in the middle. RR captain Riyan Parag opted not to give the ball to either Adam Milne, Brijesh Sharma or Dasun Shanaka, he handed to part-time off-spinner Donovan Ferreira. He went for 16 runs, making the equation easier for DC. After the game, Parag was asked about the gamble. He said that it wasn’t a gamble and he preferred Ferreira over Shanaka.

“Ferreira wasn't a gamble. I know on TV it looks like a gamble, but then you've got two left-handers. I'd rather bowl Donovan, take a chance, than get Shanaka to bowl another over. Didn't really work out,” Parag said in the post-match presentation.

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Brijesh bowled the penultimate over whereas Milne bowled the last. While the off-spinner against left-handers is not a bad option, Parag opted not to bowl himself. Notably, the Proteas batting all-rounder has bowled just three overs in the ongoing season. He has conceded 41 runs, including the 16-run over against DC. His only wicket was SRH opener Abhishek Sharma.

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Shanaka ignored after dismissing Rahul

Meanwhile, Shanaka did not complete his quota of four overs and conceded 29 runs from three. He also got the wicket of opener KL Rahul in the 15th over bringing RR back in the game.

Parag says 194 wasn’t enough

Parag also felt that the target of 194 set by the visitors was not threatening. He rued RR losing six wickets for 30 runs, not being able to put up a big total after 160/2 from 14 overs.

“We were in a pretty good space after 14 overs. After I got out, we didn't capitalise on that. It was... It had to be 220-230, something like that. And as far as the bowling is concerned, I think we were just weren't there. We weren't up to the mark,” Parag said.

Royals face Giants in must-win game

Parag was critical of his troops’ fielding and energy on the field. After the loss to DC, RR slipped to sixth place on the points table. They have six losses and as many wins from 12 games. Their net run rate (NRR) is equal to Chennai Super Kings (CSK). They have a quick turnaround, facing Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in home game on May 19.