Did Riyan Parag Miscalculate the Target in IPL 2025?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Riyan Parag scored an impressive 95 runs but couldn't finish the game.
- The match ended with a narrow one-run victory for Kolkata Knight Riders.
- Parag admitted to a tactical misjudgment during the final overs.
- KKR's playoff hopes remain alive after this victory.
- Next, RR will compete against CSK in a crucial matchup.
Kolkata, May 4 (NationPress) Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag believes he overestimated the target and could not see the match through as Kolkata Knight Riders secured a thrilling one-run victory at Eden Gardens on Sunday.
Parag delivered an impressive innings, scoring 95 runs off 45 balls, featuring eight sixes and six fours, but ultimately could not lead his team to victory, falling just one run short while chasing 22 runs in the final over.
In their pursuit of 207, Rajasthan was well-positioned, needing 52 runs off 30 balls with Parag and Shubham Dubey at the wicket. However, Parag's departure in the 18th over shifted momentum in favor of KKR. Dubey made a valiant attempt to secure victory but fell short, hitting two sixes and a four.
"I felt really upset about my dismissal. It was likely a misjudgment on my part; I should have completed the chase. We might have explored better strategies in the last six overs. I think they scored around 120 or 130, and our bowlers did well, but the match was within our grasp. We should have clinched this," Parag stated during the post-match interview.
Discussing their bowling strategy, Parag acknowledged he could have utilized his players more effectively against Andre Russell, who scored 57 runs off 25 balls in the closing stages of the innings.
"I aimed to avoid using bowlers consecutively, but in hindsight, we might have approached it differently. We must commend Russell; he took his time before accelerating brilliantly. Knowing it’s a ground favorable for sixes, I realized I had my opportunities if I remained at the crease. The pitch had some grip, and I needed to choose my battles wisely. Yet, I felt I could have finished it. You have to be sharp and precise, and we fell short, leading to this outcome," he added.
With five victories out of 11 matches, KKR has kept their playoff hopes alive, moving up to the sixth position in the points table. They will next face the Chennai Super Kings at Eden Gardens on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the Rajasthan Royals will clash with CSK in a critical matchup at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on May 12.