Riyan Parag reveals RR’s game plan after Punjab win, hails Sanju Samson’s leadership as Royals register second consecutive victory in IPL 2025.
Chandigarh (Punjab), April 6: Following Rajasthan Royals’ commanding 50-run win over Punjab Kings in IPL 2025, Riyan Parag shared insights into his strategic approach with the bat and praised skipper Sanju Samson for his leadership.
The right-hander, who remained unbeaten with a handy 43* off 25 balls, explained that the pitch at Mullanpur required calculated aggression.
“That was the plan,” Parag said at the post-match presentation. “Getting runs in the powerplay was crucial. We knew the ball would stick a bit, so my plan was to take it easy till the 16th over and then accelerate.”
Parag admitted he wasn’t able to fully execute the plan to perfection but was “happy with the way I could contribute.” He also praised Sanju Samson, calling him “a great leader” and credited his calm influence on the team.
Parag shed light on RR’s flexible batting strategy, revealing that his promotion to No. 3 was “pre-planned based on the game scenario,” and the final call was made after the powerplay ended.
In a humorous moment, Parag recalled a light exchange at the end of the innings when Lockie Ferguson walked in to bat:
“I saw Lockie’s strike-rate on the big screen – it was 147 – so I told Jofra [Archer], ‘You might need a long-on!’ But I realised he didn’t, so I ran back in—maybe just in time.”
Earlier, Yashasvi Jaiswal’s explosive 67 off 45, coupled with clinical bowling spells by Jofra Archer (3/25), Maheesh Theekshana (2/26) and Sandeep Sharma (2/21), powered Rajasthan Royals to a convincing win. RR posted 205/4, and despite a fighting half-century by Nehal Wadhera (62), Punjab Kings could only manage 155/9 in reply.
With two wins in two games, Rajasthan Royals are gaining momentum in IPL 2025—thanks in part to a clear game plan and contributions from emerging stars like Parag.