Former India cricketer Ravi Shastri praised Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain Riyan Parag after their victory against Gujarat Titans (GT) in Ahmedabad. Parag made a bold bowling decision in the final two overs that helped Rajasthan Royals defend their total at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Saturday, April 4.
Rajasthan Royals secured a six-run win over Gujarat Titans. The home team needed 15 runs from the final 12 balls, with Rashid Khan and Kagiso Rabada at the crease. The RR skipper chose Jofra Archer to bowl the 19th over instead of Tushar Deshpande. The English fast bowler conceded only four runs.
You Have Got Balls Of Steel – Ravi Shastri On Riyan Parag
Ravi Shastri took to social media to call it one of the best games in IPL history. The cricketer-turned-commentator said that Riyan Parag has a strong future ahead in a leadership role for Rajasthan Royals and the India national cricket team.
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“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!” Shastri wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).
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 #IPL2026 pic.twitter.com/Zc3mi0blak
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) April 4, 2026
Really Impressed With Riyan Parag’s Leadership – Irfan Pathan
Former fast bowler Irfan Pathan was also impressed with the bowling changes made by Riyan Parag. Pathan stated that backing an experienced pace bowler like Jofra Archer in the penultimate over shut the game down against the Gujarat Titans batters.
“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. That’s where matches are won.”
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
Parag has played over 80 games for Rajasthan Royals since his debut in the 2019 season. He has scored over 1,500 runs for the franchise, including 573 runs in the 2024 season. Parag has transitioned into a dependable middle-order batter and captain.
Tushar Deshpande Defends 11 Runs In Final Over
Riyan Parag won the toss and decided to bat first in Ahmedabad. Yashasvi Jaiswal scored 55 runs, and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi scored 31 runs. They added a 70-run opening partnership. Dhruv Jurel top-scored with 75 runs from 42 balls. Rajasthan Royals scored 210 runs in their 20 overs.
Sai Sudharsan scored 73 runs for Gujarat Titans. Ravi Bishnoi took four wickets for 41 runs to stall the run chase. Jofra Archer revealed that Tushar Deshpande was initially supposed to bowl the 19th over. Riyan Parag changed his mind and bowled Archer instead to contain Rashid Khan.
Tushar Deshpande bowled the final over with Gujarat needing 11 runs. Deshpande bowled yorkers consistently and conceded only five runs. He dismissed Rashid Khan during the over. Gujarat Titans finished with 204/8, losing the Indian Premier League match.
Rajasthan Royals will next face Mumbai Indians in Guwahati on April 7, while Gujarat Titans will take on Delhi Capitals in Delhi on April 8. RR are at the top of the points table, while GT are in seventh place after back-to-back losses.
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