On Batting Slow In Powerplay, Riyan Parag's Blunt Take: "That Was The Plan"

After registering a victory over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, Rajasthan Royals (RR) right-hand batter Riyan Parag revealed the reason behind playing slow at the start of the innings during the 18th fixture of the ongoing edition of the cash rich league. A hard-hitting half-century by Yashasvi Jaiswal and top bowling spells from Jofra Archer, Sandeep Sharma and Maheesh Theekshana helped Rajasthan Royals (RR) secure a 50-run win over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their Indian Premier League (IPL) clash at Mullanpur on Saturday.

With this loss, PBKS suffered its first defeat of IPL 2025 and has started its home leg with a setback. It is in fourth place with two wins and a loss, whereas RR is in seventh place with two wins in two matches.

Speaking after the match, the uncapped Indian cricketer hailed Sanju Samson's leadership, describing him as a "great leader."

"(On starting out slow) That was the plan; getting runs in the powerplay was crucial. We knew the ball would stick a bit, so my plan was to take it easy till the 16th over and then accelerate. Couldn't do it to the best of my ability but happy with the way I could contribute. (On Samson) He has been a great leader, and having him back is a great plus for us. (On him batting at number 3 for right-left combination) Today, it was the game before it was pre-planned. Today, the plan was we'd decide who walks in after the sixth over. (On the last ball incident) I saw Lockie coming in and I saw his strike-rate on the big screen. It was 147, so I told Jofra you might need a long-on, but then I realised he didn't need one so I rushed back in, perhaps just in time," Riyan Parag said in the post-match presentation.

After PBKS won the toss and elected to