‘220-240 would have been…’ – Riyan Parag vows to come up with better show after 44-run loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad

Rajasthan Royals (RR) skipper Riyan Parag endured a tough start to life as captain in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The 23-year-old saw his side start the new season with a 44-run loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Sunday. The high-scoring game saw a total of 528 runs being scored. Parag had won the toss and chose to bowl first and saw the hosts score 286/6 from their 20 overs. 

Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head added 45 runs for the first wicket in just three overs. Sharma was out after scoring 24 while Head went to hit 31-ball 67. The best batter for SRH was former Mumbai Indian star Ishan Kishan, who was not out on 106 off 47 balls. Heinrich Klaasen (34) and Nitish Reddy with 30 helped SRH get the much-needed impetus towards the end of the innings. 

Rajasthan could score just 242 for the loss of six wickets at the end of their 20 overs. Dhurv Jurel was the best batter for RR with 70 off 35 balls with five boundaries and six huge sixes. Sanju Samson, playing as a pure batter, scored 66 off 37 balls before falling to Harshal Patel. The veteran pacer was the best bowler for his side with 2/34 from four overs. 

‘Wouldn’t want to bowl to our boys’ – Pat Cummins after huge win over RR

Speaking at the end of the game to the host broadcasters, SRH skipper Pat Cummins said, “I wouldn't be wanting to bowl to our boys. Unbelievable. That was scary. You know it's going to be tough for the bowlers but when you get such a big score, one over can win you. We have been able to keep the core of the side together.”

RR Skipper Riyan Parag said, “It was tough, just like I expected. Credit to SRH but we could have executed better. We will have a sit-down and chat about today. You’d mind if 280 is on the board; in the toss I said 200 was what I expected but 220-240 would have been good to take.”

Ishan Kishan, who was given the player of the match award, said, “The nervousness was there. Looking at the team, Pat and the coach gave me a lot of confidence. The environment is so calm. I just enjoyed my time in the middle. I had a lot of time; I was practicing a lot; worked hard on my batting.”