Coming in after early setbacks, Parag tried to steady the innings with a couple of boundaries and a six, but could not convert it into a match-defining
knock as RR posted a below-par total and eventually suffered a defeat.
The young skipper's form has been a major talking point this season. In six innings so far, he has managed just 61 runs, with three single-digit scores highlighting a worrying lack of consistency from the middle order.
While he showed glimpses of aggression with a quick 20(10) against Mumbai Indians and an unbeaten 14(11) versus Chennai Super Kings, too many failures have left RR's batting vulnerable. Riyan's last top knock came last season against Kolkata Knight Riders, where he scored 95 off 45 deliveries.
Riyan Parag's last 9 Innings in IPL
20 (19) vs LSG (22 Apr 2026),
12 (14) vs KKR (19 Apr 2026),
4 (6) vs SRH (13 Apr 2026),
3 (5) vs RCB (10 Apr 2026),
20 (10) vs MI (7 Apr 2026),
8 (4) vs GT (4 Apr 2026),
14 (11)* vs CSK (30 Mar 2026),
3 (4) vs CSK (20 May 2025),
13 (11) vs PBKS (18 May 2025).
With RR having lost their last two matches after a strong start (4 wins in first 6 games), the pressure is mounting on Parag both as batter and leader.
Former players, pundits have been vocal against the Assam-born player, criticising his batting and lack of runs amid this poor run. His tactical decisions have earned praise, but the team needs their captain to fire with the bat to regain momentum in the playoff race. Tonight's knock offered brief resistance but once again underlined the need for Parag to find his explosive touch soon.
