Kolkata, April 19 (NationPress) Rajasthan Royals skipper Riyan Parag acknowledged that his team failed to seize a winnable match, highlighting fielding mistakes and execution failures as major factors in their loss to the Kolkata Knight Riders during the IPL 2026 encounter at Eden Gardens.

Looking back at the initial innings, Parag felt that his squad underperformed with the bat, even though they initially assessed the playing conditions effectively.

“I believe during the first four or five overs, we recognized that it was a 170-run wicket, which means we were 10 runs short right from the start. However, the effort from our bowlers to regain control was commendable, and I truly felt it was our game. No excuses—we cannot afford to drop catches or bowl in ways that benefit the batters. These were just silly mistakes from our end. This was a game we should have won,” he expressed post-match.

Despite being under par, the bowlers of Rajasthan brought them back into the game, especially with their spin bowling, a tactical decision Parag defended.

“There was significant spin on the pitch (which is why we delayed using Brijesh and the other pacers). The bowling styles of Bishnoi and Poonja are quite different. I felt that spin was essential for the situation. My decision to stick with spin turned out well, but we still made some mistakes here and there, which cost us,” he remarked.

Parag also discussed his decision-making process regarding bowling substitutions, particularly the postponement in bringing in pacer Brijesh Sharma.

“He was nearly ready to bowl in both the 14th and 16th overs. However, with their loss of wickets and the presence of two left-handers, I opted to stick with the spinners who were performing well. I believed we might secure a wicket through them, which almost happened. After Bishnoi's over, I decided to continue with the spinners due to the left-handed combination. I envisioned Brijesh bowling the 18th and 20th overs,” Parag elaborated.

Regarding batting, the 24-year-old acknowledged that while the middle-order performed according to plan, the finishing stages did not go as expected.

“The middle order did well today, setting a solid platform. Hetty and I took our time but fell short when it was crucial. Our game plan suggested it was a 170-run wicket, and we aimed to capitalize in the last five overs. While it didn't pan out, I am pleased with the mindset of the boys,” he commented.

Even though he expressed disappointment at the outcome, Parag remained hopeful for the team's future performances, stating, “Again, there were a few errors, and I hope in the next match, we will put forth a more clinical performance.”

He also praised emerging bowler Yash Punja, expressing confidence in his potential as a crucial player for the franchise.

“Every player in Rajasthan Royals has complete trust in him. When you put him in challenging situations, he excels. Punja bowled impressively today. He had some initial nerves, but if he continues to handle tough overs like this, he has the potential to become an outstanding bowler for us,” Parag concluded.

Rajasthan Royals set a competitive score in the first innings, but KKR successfully chased it down, with Rinku Singh and Anukul Roy delivering thrilling performances to secure a dramatic last-over victory for the home team.