‘I was not supposed to play today’ – Riyan Parag not completely fit but will play Eliminator

A Captain’s Grit at the Wankhede

In the high-stakes environment of the Indian Premier League, few narratives are as compelling as a leader putting their body on the line for the team’s cause. Following the Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) hard-fought victory over the Mumbai Indians (MI), which secured their place in the 2026 IPL playoffs, captain Riyan Parag made a candid admission. He revealed that his participation was far from guaranteed, stating, ‘I was not supposed to play today’ – Riyan Parag not completely fit but will play Eliminator, despite the obvious physical discomfort he carried throughout the match.

Overcoming Physical Limitations

Parag had previously missed the team’s encounter against the Lucknow Super Giants due to a troublesome hamstring injury. Returning to the side for the must-win fixture at the Wankhede Stadium, the captain scored 14 off 8 balls before switching his focus entirely to leading the field. Spectators noted him moving gingerly between overs, a testament to the fact that he was far from 100 percent match fitness.

When questioned about his status regarding the upcoming Eliminator against the Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 27, Parag remained firm in his commitment. His response, ‘Yeah, of course,’ underscored the gravity of the situation and his refusal to let injury hinder his team’s aspirations for the trophy.

Reflecting on the League Campaign

The journey to the playoffs has been anything but smooth for the Rajasthan Royals. After suffering a difficult stretch of three consecutive defeats, the team found themselves in a precarious position. Parag, displaying a pragmatic and honest outlook on their performance, noted that the qualification process had been unnecessarily complicated. ‘We should have qualified way earlier,’ he admitted. ‘We left it a little too late, I think we left a lot on the table. And I feel we’re picking up the slack after losing three games in a row. Hopefully we learn from all our mistakes and we put up a better show.’

Tactical Bravery and Strategic Wins

During the match against Mumbai Indians, which RR won by 30 runs after defending a total of 206, Parag’s captaincy came into the spotlight. He implemented several bold tactical shifts, including the promotion of Jofra Archer to the No. 7 batting position. The decision to bring Archer back for the 16th over to dismiss Hardik Pandya proved to be a masterstroke.

‘I’ve taken a lot of brave calls, actually, this season,’ Parag reflected. ‘But that’s how I like to lead, that’s how I lead Assam as well. Of course, different level, different things as well, but I feel you’ve got to take your chances. It’s not a gamble, but of course you think about it a lot.’

Praise for Emerging Talent

The victory was not just a result of captaincy but a collective effort, particularly from the young bowling unit. Parag took a rare moment to publicly commend 19-year-old spinner Yash Raj Punja and fellow bowler Brijesh Sharma. Punja, who transitioned from a net bowler to the team’s primary spin option, claimed 2 for 44, while Sharma provided crucial support with 2 for 26.

‘I don’t usually praise them a lot, so they don’t get all bloated and stuff. After today, I think they deserve it,’ Parag said. Regarding Punja’s rapid rise, he added, ‘I think [going] from a net bowler to his journey right now, being the lead spinner, I think, remarkable job. I hope they do it for another one game, and then, another two games.’ As the Rajasthan Royals prepare for their Eliminator, the resilience of their captain and the burgeoning confidence of their young stars will be pivotal in their quest for IPL glory.