Guwahati, April 11 (NationPress) Riyan Parag acknowledged that the Rajasthan Royals had not performed optimally at this ground in past seasons. However, he commended his team's impressive all-around performance following their victory over the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He noted that, despite their strong effort, they believed they had allowed 20 runs over par.

"Reflecting on previous years, our performances here haven’t been up to standard, but today we were exceptionally clinical. Our bowling was effective, and while we aimed for 200 runs, we still felt that we allowed them to score 20 runs too many (considering the wickets we claimed during the middle overs). We should have limited them to around 170. This pitch doesn't allow for many sixes against spin, and we inadvertently gave them room to capitalize. We prepared well in Guwahati and Jaipur, understanding how the black soil behaves here. Although it didn't feel like a home game, we were ready. At the start of the season, our goal was to be a team that can assess and adapt effectively. Once we face better pitches, we will excel even more," RR captain Parag stated after the match.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi spearheaded a strong attack for the Rajasthan Royals, easily dismantling the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s bowling with daring strokes, leading to a comfortable six-wicket victory.

The young talent displayed remarkable confidence, his powerful swings sending the ball to the boundary with ease, as 15 of his 26 deliveries resulted in boundaries.

By the time he mishit a shot off Krunal Pandya, the damage was already significant, placing the Rajasthan Royals firmly in command. Although they experienced a minor collapse, going from 129/1 to 134/4, the groundwork laid by Suryavanshi kept the chase well within reach.

"Everyone adores him, and we ensure he has everything he needs. He’s still a kid who loves to bat," Parag added.

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru had a tumultuous start as Jofra Archer dismissed Phil Salt with a sharp bouncer on the very first delivery. Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal responded well, forming a swift 45-run partnership in just 17 balls, but Rajasthan retaliated strongly. Archer struck again by removing Padikkal, while Ravi Bishnoi shifted the game with two quick dismissals, bowling out Kohli and Krunal Pandya. Sharp fielding from Shimron Hetmyer compounded RCB’s troubles. Jitesh Sharma was dismissed soon after, leaving RCB in a precarious position at 76/5 in 8.4 overs.

Romario Shepherd provided a brief counterattack, scoring a rapid 22 before being dismissed by Ravindra Jadeja. Debutant Venkatesh Iyer then partnered with Rajat Patidar, shifting the momentum. Patidar transitioned from a cautious start to a brisk half-century, highlighted by several sixes. However, he ultimately fell to Sandeep Sharma. A late surge from Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Iyer (29 off 15) helped RCB finish with a respectable total of 201/8 in their 20 overs.