Riyan Parag, standing in as captain for Rajasthan Royals (RR) after Sanju Samson’s injury, didn’t mince his words following the team’s humiliating 100-run loss to Mumbai Indians—a defeat that officially ended their hopes of making the IPL 2025 playoffs.
In a candid post-match interview, Parag openly admitted the team’s failure to deliver when it mattered most. He pointed fingers at RR’s misfiring middle order, including his own performance and that of Dhruv Jurel. “We have to take responsibility,” Parag said, emphasizing that the middle order simply did not step up when needed. With Samson and other senior players absent, the onus was on emerging players like Parag and Jurel to anchor the innings, but they failed to convert starts into match-winning knocks.
Parag also reflected on strategic decisions taken before the season began, notably the release of experienced campaigners like Jos Buttler and Trent Boult. He acknowledged that their absence may have impacted the team’s stability and experience in crunch moments.
He further stated that while the team showed flashes of brilliance earlier in the season, the inability to sustain momentum and capitalize on strong starts proved to be their undoing. The leadership group, according to Parag, will have to rethink their approach moving forward.
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Despite the disappointment, Parag remained hopeful. “There’s still a lot to learn. We’ll use the remaining games to play with pride and finish strong,” he added.
This bold admission from Riyan Parag has been appreciated by fans and experts alike, who see it as a sign of maturity and accountability—something crucial for RR’s rebuilding phase in the coming seasons.
The Royals now face an important phase of introspection as they look to regroup, rebuild, and return stronger next year.
