05 May, 2025 | 01:16 AM
Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag admitted to a “miscalculation” on his part after his valiant 95 went in vain during a heartbreaking one-run loss to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Kolkata. Chasing 207, Parag’s explosive knock had brought RR to the brink of an improbable win, but his dismissal in the 18th over proved decisive as they ultimately fell short in yet another tense finish.
Parag, who became the first player in IPL history to hit six sixes off consecutive deliveries—five of which came in a 32-run over off Moeen Ali—was devastated at not staying till the end.
“I was just too sad about getting myself out,” Parag said post-match. “I was planning to stay till the last two overs. We couldn't get much from the 16th and 17th, so I went after the bowling in the 18th. But probably a miscalculation from my side—I should have finished it.”
With just three wins from 12 matches, Rajasthan Royals are now officially out of the playoff race, sitting eighth on the points table. The loss to KKR marked yet another agonizing finish in a season full of missed opportunities. They previously lost to Delhi Capitals in a Super Over, went down by two runs against Lucknow Super Giants, and failed to chase 18 in the last two overs against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Parag reflected on the overall campaign with a mix of regret and realism.
“You've got to be clinical, you've got to be perfect every single day you step out on the field—and we weren’t. So the consequences are here,” he said.
Despite the pitch at Eden Gardens offering turn and variable bounce, Parag’s aggressive intent paid off for most of the innings. His knock kept RR in the hunt after they were reduced to 71 for 5 inside the eighth over. However, a boundary drought and loss of momentum in the middle overs made the task too steep in the end.
Rajasthan Royals’ batting coach Vikram Rathour echoed Parag’s sentiments, identifying the skipper’s dismissal as the turning point of the match.
“If he was in there, I’m sure he would have finished it off,” Rathour said.
He emphasized that while individual performances have stood out, the team failed to fire collectively this season—something that cost them crucial points in close encounters.
“Mostly all batters are in good form, they are batting well in the nets. But it hasn’t happened collectively. Similarly, in bowling too. We have really good quality, but we didn’t click as a group,” Rathour explained.
As the Royals reflect on what went wrong this season, questions have been raised over their decision to retain Shimron Hetmyer ahead of Jos Buttler. While Buttler has starred for his new franchise, Gujarat Titans, Hetmyer has endured a poor season with just 216 runs in 11 innings and a string of low scores.
Despite the criticism, Rathour defended the team’s strategy and backed Hetmyer, who cost the team INR 11 crore in the auction.
“I won’t say it was a mistake. The management is happy with the six retained. Hetty is supposed to be the finisher. He’s a superb player, but he’s had a poor season. That happens. Good players go through lean patches,” Rathour said.
While the Royals are out of contention this year, both Parag and Rathour expressed optimism that the team—particularly its young core—will grow stronger in the coming seasons.
