Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag did not mince words after his team suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Sunrisers Hyderabad in Jaipur on Monday. The loss, which came in the IPL 2026 season, left the Royals reeling as they failed to defend their home turf.
Parag Admits to Poor Performance
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Parag acknowledged that the team had not performed up to the mark. He stated, "We were outplayed in all departments. There are no excuses. We need to go back to the drawing board and work on our weaknesses." The skipper emphasized that the team's batting collapse was a major concern, as they were bowled out for a modest total while chasing a challenging target.
Batting Woes Continue
The Royals' batting lineup crumbled under pressure, with only a couple of batsmen managing to reach double figures. Parag himself scored a gritty 32 but failed to convert it into a match-winning knock. He said, "As a batsman, I take responsibility for not finishing the game. We lost wickets at crucial intervals, and that cost us dearly."
Bowling Struggles
On the bowling front, the Royals failed to contain the SRH batsmen, who posted a daunting total. Parag noted, "Our bowlers tried hard, but we didn't execute our plans well. The pitch was good for batting, but we should have defended better." He praised the opposition for their aggressive approach, particularly their openers who set the tone early.
Looking Ahead
Despite the setback, Parag remained optimistic about the team's chances in the remainder of the tournament. He said, "It's just one game. We have a strong squad, and I believe we can turn things around. The key is to learn from our mistakes and come back stronger." The Royals will need to regroup quickly as they face another tough opponent in their next match.
The loss has raised questions about the team's consistency, but Parag urged fans to stay patient. "We are a young team, and we are still learning. I promise we will give our best in the upcoming games," he concluded.
