Riyan Parag Takes Responsibility for Rajasthan Royals' Narrow Defeat Against KKR

Riyan Parag Reflects on Close Loss to Kolkata Knight Riders

In a gripping IPL 2025 match, Rajasthan Royals' acting captain Riyan Parag accepted responsibility for the team's agonizing one-run defeat to Kolkata Knight Riders. He acknowledged that his batting strategy significantly impacted the final result.

Parag delivered an impressive performance, scoring 95 runs off 45 balls, nearly leading his team to victory in a challenging chase of 207 runs. However, he expressed regret over not finishing the match himself or at least remaining until the last over.

"I intended to stay until the last two overs, but I was dismissed in the 18th over. That was a miscalculation on my part. We could have explored better options in the final six overs. There's no one to blame but ourselves; we should have secured the win," Parag stated during the post-match presentation.

Visibly upset, Parag noted that the team failed to capitalize on crucial moments both with the bat and in the field. This defeat adds to a series of narrow losses for RR this season, many of which have not gone their way.

He also admitted, “It feels strange to give an interview as the losing captain.”

Also READ: Eden Gardens IPL Crowd Drop: Why Fans Are Skipping Matches

Thrilling Finish with Rinku Singh's Key Run-Out

The match reached a nail-biting conclusion, with Rajasthan needing 22 runs in the final over bowled by Vaibhav Arora. Shubham Dubey ignited the crowd with powerful hits, including two sixes and a four, bringing the chase down to just three runs needed off the last ball. However, a precise throw from Rinku Singh led to Jofra Archer's run-out while attempting a second run, sealing the victory for KKR.

Also READ: Riyan Parag Abuses Jaiswal During Heated IPL 2025 Match Incident

Parag also commended KKR's standout players, particularly highlighting Andre Russell's explosive performance as pivotal to the match's outcome.

“He (Russell) was 2 off 10 balls, and the way he picked up the pace was impressive. This ground is known for sixes. The pitch was a bit tricky, so I had to choose my battles wisely. I believe I managed that well until I got out.”

Looking ahead, Rajasthan Royals aim to recover when they take on Chennai Super Kings on May 12 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.