Riyan Parag’s decisive call in the final stages of the match was key to Rajasthan Royals’ dramatic victory, earning recognition from former Indian cricketers Ravi Shastri and Irfan Pathan.
Defending a challenging 210 runs in Ahmedabad, Rajasthan, seemed to have a firm grip on the game for much of the Gujarat Titans’ chase. However, Rashid Khan and Kagiso Rabada turned the tide with a powerful counterattack, both scoring at nearly 200 strike rate, which brought Gujarat into contention, leaving them with 15 runs to get from the last 12 balls.
Parag took an important decision. With both Jofra Archer and Tushar Deshpande available, he chose to bowl Archer in the 19th over and save Deshpande for the final over.
This move proved to be a masterstroke. Archer bowled an excellent over, conceding just four runs, thanks to his sharp pace and precise lengths that kept the batters under control. Rashid and Rabada could only manage singles, with no boundaries, reducing the equation to 11 runs needed from the final over.
With the pressure mounting, Deshpande took over and executed his yorkers perfectly, giving away just four runs and taking the crucial wicket of Rashid. Rajasthan sealed a six-run victory in a match that had looked almost out of their reach.
Shastri was quick to highlight the high quality of the match and the calmness Parag displayed in that crucial moment.
“Easily one of the best games in IPL history. Archive this one! You have got great composure and a big future ahead, especially in a leadership role. Outstanding temperament. Well played!”
Easily one of the best games in @IPL history. Archive this one! @ParagRiyan , you have got Balls of steel and a big future ahead, especially in a leadership role. Outstanding temperament. Well played! IPL Zindabad! @rajasthanroyals#GTvsRR#IPL2026pic.twitter.com/Zc3mi0blak
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) April 4, 2026
Pathan opined on the decision from a tactical standpoint, pointing to how the remaining overs shaped the outcome.
“Really impressed with Riyan Parag’s leadership here. Big call to decide whether Archer bowls the 19th or the last and he nailed it.”
Really impressed with Riyan Parag’s leadership here. Big call to decide whether Archer bowls the 19th or the last and he nailed it.
Backed more experienced bowler with high pace in the penultimate over, and it completely shut the game down (just 4 runs). That’s where matches are…
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) April 4, 2026
“Backed more experienced bowler with high pace in the penultimate over, and it completely shut the game down. That’s where matches are won.”
