Riyan Parag rules out excuses after RR fail to defend match-winning total against SRH despite Sooryavanshi hundred

Riyan Parag reflected on RR’s defeat, pointing to missed chances in the field and a lack of discipline at key moments as the difference between the two sides.

Updated on: Apr 26, 2026, 08:29:22 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

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Rajasthan Royals skipper Riyan Parag admitted that the dropped catch of Abhishek Sharma proved to be the turning point as his side failed to defend a 229-run target against Sunrisers Hyderabad. He felt that the missed opportunity shifted the momentum at a crucial stage and eventually cost them the match despite putting up a strong total on the board. It came on a day when no score looked safe, with the Punjab Kings earlier chasing down 265 against the Delhi Capitals. SRH then followed a similar script later in the evening against RR, making light work of the target and underlining the dominance of batters in the ongoing high-scoring IPL season.

Riyan Parag admits costly errors against Sunrisers Hyderabad. (PTI)

Parag reflected on Rajasthan Royals’ defeat, pointing to missed chances in the field and a lack of discipline at key moments as the difference between the two sides. The RR skipper felt the game slipped away due to dropped opportunities and admitted they fell short of what was needed in a tight contest decided in the closing overs.

" I think skill-wise, we executed pretty nicely, but I think we dropped a few too many catches. And quality players like Abhishek and everyone who batted, I feel you can't really drop catches and you can't really give them second chances. And they took them, so credit to that. But we could have been better on the field. That's only a sign to be a little hopeful, not too harsh, but I think it's one part of the game here, but like I've been saying, we've got to be clinical, and fielding plays a major part in that," Parag said in the post-match presentation.

Also Read - Vaibhav Sooryavanshi reveals nothing but the truth after single-handedly destroying SRH with third-fastest IPL century

“We would have liked another 15 runs”: Parag

However, Parag also admitted that his team was 15 runs short as the SRH bowlers managed to put the brakes on the scoring rate in the business end, as the Royals didn't fully capitalise on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's blistering century at the top.

"I think we left like 10-15 on the table. To be honest, they bowled really well in the 18th and the 19th over. They bowled like, executed really good yorkers. I felt not much we could have done. But the best-case scenario, I think we would have liked another 15 runs," he added.

The Royals skipper further acknowledged the impact of Jofra Archer’s performance, praising his consistency throughout the season while also pointing out the role of luck in a few close chances that went begging in the field.

"Absolutely, I think he's been such a sensation this whole season. Another classical performance for him. Unlucky as well, a lot of top-edges are in between the keeper and the fielders. So yeah, a few unlucky chances, a few chances that we gave away. Hopefully, we don't repeat that next time," he concluded.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

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