The Rajasthan Royals were defeated by 7 wickets by the Delhi Capitals in the second match of the IPL 2026 43rd match, played at the legendary Sawai Mansingh Stadium (226 runs). Delhi’s victory was fairly easily accomplished against an RR score of 225 runs.
As a result of this win, the Delhi Capitals advanced to the 6th position on the table while also keeping the playoff battle interesting for RR’s 4th position.
Riyan Parag Statement: “We Lost Control in Middle Overs”
Captain of the Rajasthan Royals, Riyan Parag, stated that the team did not follow proper protocols while bowling, leading them to lose the match. After the game, Parag stated that a total of over 200 runs would usually be competitive on this type of wicket.
Parag stated that ‘bulky’ bowling by their bowlers through the middle overs allowed Delhi’s batsmen to take charge “The loss of discipline from us as bowlers (like getting hit in back-to-back overs) has caused the game to swing heavily in Delhi’s favour. All those flaws in the end turned out to be the most important time in the match”.
Riyan Parag Defends Tactical Batting Decision
Riyan Parag has provided details about team strategy when answering questions, specifically why they promoted Ravindra Jadeja instead of Donovan Ferreira in the batting order.
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Parag stated that they wished to create a right/left combination at the crease to enable them to regularly rotate the strike and achieve an approximate scoring rate of 8-9 runs per over from spinners, thus ensuring Ferreira’s finishing ability will be preserved for the final overs against pace bowlers.
Parag feels this was a simple tactical decision, designed only to optimise their batting effectiveness as opposed to being part of some type of elaborate strategic gamble.
Riyan Parag Fitness Update Raises Concerns
In an online press conference, the RR captain updated reporters on his injury status, saying he has some apprehension about his hamstring, but is optimistic that the injury isn’t a big deal, but it’s important to take advantage of this break in the schedule.
He will be resting and recovering until their next match which is a week away in order to be able to participate for the rest of the tournament.
Riyan Parag on His 90-Run Knock
Despite his innings of 90 runs, Riyan Parag chose to ignore his personal achievements. According to him, individual achievements do not mean much when the team loses the game.
The innings of Riyan Parag was one of the best in the match, but Parag did emphasize that achieving victory for the team is his topmost priority.
ALSO READ: RR vs DC, IPL 2026: Delhi Capitals Claims Victory With Historic 226 Runs Chase
