Stand-in skipper Riyan Parag takes responsibility for RR’s fourth consecutive loss in IPL 2025, says team was in control till the 19th over before Avesh Khan turned the tide for Lucknow.
Jaipur, April 20:
In the wake of a heartbreaking two-run defeat against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Rajasthan Royals’ stand-in captain Riyan Parag shouldered the blame, admitting that he should have finished the game during the penultimate over.
Despite dominating for most of the match, RR fell short in a dramatic final stretch as Avesh Khan’s pinpoint yorkers helped LSG snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. Rajasthan were just nine runs away from chasing 181, but crumbled under pressure in the final moments.
“We were in it till the 18th or 19th over. I probably should have finished it then. I blame myself,” Parag said during the post-match presentation.
🎯 Game Slips Away in Final Overs
Rajasthan appeared poised for a win, with Riyan Parag (39 off 26) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (74 off 52) steering the chase confidently. But the momentum shifted dramatically in the 18th over, when Avesh Khan dismissed both set batters, opening the door for a Lucknow comeback.
“Just a few balls can cost you an IPL game,” Parag remarked, reflecting on the narrow margin.
💥 Samad’s Blitz Changes the Equation
RR’s downfall arguably began earlier—in the first innings—when Abdul Samad took on Sandeep Sharma in the final over and smashed four massive sixes, propelling LSG to a defendable 180/5.
“Sandy bhai is trusted. He’s only had one bad game. Samad batted really well,” said Parag, defending his bowler but acknowledging that those runs proved crucial.
🔍 RR’s Fourth Consecutive Loss
The loss marked Rajasthan Royals’ fourth straight defeat, pushing them down the IPL 2025 points table. While Parag lauded the team’s bowling effort and the pitch conditions, he stressed the need for the team to click collectively over 40 overs.
“We just have to put one game together collectively for 40 overs; only then can we win,” he emphasized.
🧢 Match Summary:
- LSG: 180/5 (Aiden Markram 66, Ayush Badoni 50, Abdul Samad 30* off 10)
- RR: 178/5 (Yashasvi Jaiswal 74, Riyan Parag 39, Avesh Khan 3/37)
- Result: LSG won by 2 runs