IPL 2026 | 'I don't need to answer critics': Riyan Parag's blunt take after Rajasthan Royals loss
Despite a recent fine for vaping, Riyan Parag shone with a brilliant 90, powering Rajasthan Royals to 225/6. However, Delhi Capitals chased down the target convincingly, securing a seven-wicket victory. Parag emphasised team success over individual performance, stating his primary goal is to secure wins for his team.
NEW DELHI: Coming into the match after being fined 25% of his match fee and handed one demerit point for breaching Level 1 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct - for using a vape inside the dressing room - Riyan Parag ensured he put the controversy behind him when he walked out to bat against Delhi Capitals. The Rajasthan Royals captain looked in ominous touch, smashing a superb half-century. He appeared set for a well-deserved hundred but fell just short, scoring a brilliant 90 off 50 balls, including eight fours and five sixes, to power his side to 225/6 in 20 overs.
However, despite the strong total, Delhi Capitals snapped their three-match losing streak with a commanding seven-wicket win. — rajasthanroyals (@rajasthanroyals) Parag, after the match, made it clear that outside criticism does not bother him, but his primary responsibility is to deliver results for the team. "I don't think I need to answer any critics or anyone talking about it.
But at the end of the day, my job is to get two points. So my score and my innings don't really matter if we lose the game," Parag said after the match. A blistering 110-run opening stand between KL Rahul (75 off 40) and Pathum Nissanka (62 off 33) laid the perfect foundation for a record 226-run chase, which was calmly finished by Tristan Stubbs (18*) and Ashutosh Sharma (25*) with five balls to spare.
"I think it was a good score. I thought 200 was a par score here. It was going to slow down a bit, but I think we could have bowled way better in the middle overs, not let them get away a little too much.