PBKS vs RR, IPL 2025: Riyan Parag played the perfect cameo in the final overs against Punjab Kings. Riyan Parag showcased his range to full effect while playing the finisher’s role to perfection on Saturday. The Rajasthan Royals all-rounder smashed a 25-ball 43 to power his side over the 200-run mark after being put into bat by the Punjab Kings.
The highlight of Parag’s pyrotechnics was his MS Dhoni-like helicopter shot off Marco Jansen. Aiming to end the innings with a flourish, the Assam star ended the innings with a flourish. While he couldn’t bag a half-century, Parag ensured his team had an above-par score in Mullanpur.
𝙃𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙃𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 5, 2025#RiyanParag is showing his class & how
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Riyan Parag had a sedate start, managing only 12 runs in his 14 deliveries. The 23-year-old was struggling before switching gears to ensure a strong finish. In his last 11 balls, Parag smashed 32 runs with 3 boundaries and as many sixes.
Coming into bat at the fall of Sanju Samson’s wicket, Parag showcased his ability to absorb pressure and read the conditions on offer. The 23-year-old, much like MS Dhoni, took his time to get going before bringing out the big guns in a well-timed onslaught. The Assam superstar put a show of brute strength taking down the likes of Marco Jansen and Arshdeep Singh in a display of death overs hitting. Combining with Shimron Hetmyer, Parag made up for the made for the mid-overs slump to finish with a flourish.
While IPL 2025 has been a mixed bag for Parag, he has shown intent. His 25 off 15 against Kolkata Knight Riders and 37 off 28 against Chennai Super Kings, paired with a stunning catch and smart captaincy, marked RR’s first win. With 109 runs in four matches, Parag’s strike rate of 155.71 suggests promise, though he’s yet to convert starts into big scores.
Parag crucial to India’s T20 WC plans
The 2026 T20 World Cup might be a while away, but Parag is making an early case for his inclusion in the squad. The 23-year-old is playing the role of a middle-over aggressor and finisher, something India are looking to fill. Parag’s ability to chip in with overs makes an interesting fit in India’s plans.
With his breakout IPL 2024 season (573 runs, strike rate 149.22), Riyan Parag proved his ability to anchor and accelerate in the middle order, a role India could struggle to fill with Virat Kohli now retired from T20Is. His part-time leg-spin adds versatility, vital on spin-friendly subcontinental pitches. With a knack for performing under pressure, evident in domestic tournaments like the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Parag could provide balance and firepower. At 24 by 2026, he’s poised to peak, offering India a match-winner.
