IPL 2025: Parag Acknowledges SRH's Strength but Calls for Better Execution
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Synopsis
In IPL 2025, Rajasthan Royals' stand-in captain Riyan Parag reflects on their performance against Sunrisers Hyderabad, acknowledging the need for better execution despite a tough 44-run defeat. He commends SRH's strong total and highlights positives from his team's efforts.
Key Takeaways
- Riyan Parag emphasizes the need for better execution.
- SRH's score of 286 is the second-highest in IPL history.
- Significant partnership between Sanju Samson and Dhruv Jurel.
- Positive performances from Tushar and Sandy Paaji.
- Learning from losses is crucial for the team.
Hyderabad, March 23 (NationPress) Rajasthan Royals (RR) stand-in captain Riyan Parag expressed that his team could have performed better while chasing 286 runs against Sunrisers Hyderabad after facing a 44-run defeat in the IPL 2025 match here on Sunday. Parag recognized that it was a challenging day for them but acknowledged the last year's runners-up for securing victory after achieving the second-highest total in IPL history.
"It was tough, just as I anticipated. Credit to SRH but we could have executed better. We will have a sit-down discussion about today," Parag stated during the post-match presentation.
When explaining the decision to bowl first, Parag mentioned, "I believe collectively we made that choice, it was the correct decision but it was about executing better. You'd be concerned if 280 runs are on the board; at the toss, I said I expected 200 but 220-240 would have been ideal to chase."
Despite chasing a challenging 287, Rajasthan was on course due to a significant partnership between Sanju Samson (Impact Substitute) and Dhruv Jurel, who maintained the required run rate following the loss of three wickets early in the powerplay.
Samson and Jurel achieved their half-centuries off 26 and 28 balls respectively. Just as Rajasthan appeared to be in control, pacer Harshal Patel swung momentum in favor of Hyderabad by dismissing Samson (66).
Adam Zampa then removed Jurel for 70, which included six sixes and five fours, delivering a double blow to RR. Ultimately, Shimron Hetmyer (42) and Shubham Dubey (34 not out) fought valiantly but couldn't cross the finish line.
"There are quite a few positives; the way Dhruv and Sanju batted was brilliant. And then Hettie and Shivam later on as well. Tushar bowled exceptionally well, and Sandy Paaji delivered a good performance. Regardless of a win or loss, we take the learnings and move on," Parag concluded.
Earlier, Ishan Kishan struck an unbeaten 106 off 47 balls, featuring 11 fours and six sixes, propelling the team to 286/6 in 20 overs, marking the second-highest total in IPL history. The southpaw was named the Player of the Match as SRH commenced their campaign on a high note.
Opener Travis Head contributed with a score of 67 off 31 balls, while Nitish Kumar Reddy and Heinrich Klaasen played crucial knocks of 30 and 34 respectively, helping to reach the impressive total.
