Rajasthan Royals were knocked out of IPL 2025 after a crushing 100-run loss to Mumbai Indians, with skipper Riyan Parag admitting MI outplayed them.
Rajasthan Royals’ playoff hopes ended after a crushing 100-run defeat to Mumbai Indians in Jaipur. Mumbai posted 217/2 after electing to bat, with strong performances from Rohit Sharma (53 off 36) and Ryan Rickelton (61 off 38). Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav added late firepower, each scoring 48 off 23 balls.
RR, in response, crumbled under scoreboard pressure and were dismissed for just 117 in 16.1 overs. Despite a promising campaign, this heavy loss confirmed their exit from the IPL 2025 playoff race. Riyan Parag, who led the side, acknowledged MI’s batting depth and the challenge of chasing such a high total.
“We have to give credit to the way MI played. The way they batted, took the game a little deep, kept the 10 runs per over consistency and accelerated in the end. As far as our batting is concerned, it wasn’t our day. 190-200 would have been ideal (to chase), but then Hardik (Pandya) and Surya (Suryakumar Yadav) bhai at the end really switched it up, we could have done a few things better but it is how it is,” Parag said after the loss.
Riyan Parag Admits Middle-Order Struggles
Riyan Parag also acknowledged the need for the middle order, including himself and Dhruv Jurel, to deliver under pressure. While RR had strong starts in several matches, they often faltered after the Powerplay. Parag reflected on the season, saying the team had done many things right but also made repeated small errors that cost them.
“We have been getting good starts, but it is up to the middle order – myself, Dhruv (Jurel), for us to step up when we lose wickets in the powerplay, but we still back ourselves, if another situation (like today) comes up then we will be up for it,” he said.
“We have done a lot of things right, lot of things wrong, we want to focus on the things we have done right, lot of mistakes, lot of small errors, focus on how to not make them and we have had a few close matches, if we get an opportunity like the first 10 games in the next three then hopefully we can do it better,” Parag added.
With only a few matches left, RR will aim to correct those mistakes and end the season on a stronger note.
