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Riyan Parag Defends Jadeja Promotion: 'Just Get 8-9 an Over Off Spinners'

Riyan Parag defended the decision to promote Ravindra Jadeja up the order as a calculated move to target spinners. Jadeja scored a quick 20 off 14 balls in a 53-run partnership with Parag, setting up Donovan Ferreira's late blitz. However, RR's bowling faltered in the middle overs, conceding 114 runs as Delhi Capitals chased down 226. Parag also downplayed a hamstring scare, hoping to recover during the week break before facing Gujarat Titans.

Key Points: Parag on Jadeja Call: IPL 2026 Tactical Move Explained

  • Parag explains Jadeja promotion as tactical lefty-righty move to target spinners
  • Jadeja scores quickfire 20 off 14 in 53-run partnership with Parag
  • Donovan Ferreira later hammers 47 off 14 balls as RR post 225
  • Parag admits bowling let them down in middle overs, Delhi chase down 226 easily
2 min read

IPL 2026: 'Just to get 8-9 an over off spinners', says Parag on Jadeja call

Riyan Parag defends sending Ravindra Jadeja up the order as a calculated move to target spinners, despite RR's seven-wicket defeat to Delhi Capitals.

"It was actually lefty-righty as well... just get a few eight-nine runs an over from the spinners - Riyan Parag"

Jaipur, May 2

Riyan Parag defended Rajasthan Royals' tactical call to promote Ravindra Jadeja up the order, explaining it was a calculated move aimed at maximising their finish against Delhi Capitals, even as the decision came under scrutiny following a seven-wicket defeat.

"It was actually lefty-righty as well," Parag said, outlining the thinking behind sending Jadeja ahead of Donovan Ferreira. "There was what, eight-nine overs to go. We wanted to delay it [entry point] a little bit and just get a few eight-nine [runs] an over from the spinners and then go from ball one when the seamers started to bowl. So I feel that was the plan."

This was after RR had slipped to 114 for 3 in the 12th over after the dismissal of Dhruv Jurel. Jadeja replied with a quickfire 20 off 14 balls and helped Parag stitch a 53-run partnership to steady the innings. That platform allowed Ferreira to go on the attack at the death, hammering 47 off 14 balls as RR plundered 78 runs in the last five overs to post 225.

Parag believed the total was well above par. "I think it was a good score. I honestly felt 200 was somewhere on par. It was going to slow down a bit," he said. However, he admitted that RR's bowling let them down, particularly in the middle overs where Delhi seized control.

"I think we could have bowled, way better in the middle overs, we let them get away a little too much and then a lot of boundaries in one single over and that repeated. So I felt we missed the trick with that, but no harm with the decision we made [at the toss]," he added, stressing that the defeat was not down to their call to bat first.

RR leaked 114 runs in the middle overs, including three overs of 18 or more, and the Delhi Capitals chased down 226 comfortably to inflict a heavy defeat on the Royals.

There was a brief injury scare for Parag during the chase when it looked like he had cramps and walked off the field. But the RR skipper shrugged away the worry.

"Yeah, hopefully it's not too serious," Parag said. "But, a little bit on the hamstring. Thankfully we've got like a week break, so hopefully I recover."

Rajasthan Royals will look to regroup quickly as they prepare to face Gujarat Titans in Jaipur on May 9.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
I'm not fully convinced by the reasoning. Sending Jadeja ahead of an explosive hitter like Ferreira cost them precious balls. 20 off 14 is decent, but it seems like they could have been more aggressive. Still, respect to Parag for owning the decision. 🇮🇳
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Arjun K
Exactly! It's about having the right matchup. Left-right combination is crucial against spinners in Indian conditions. And Ferreira proved the plan worked by smashing 47 off 14! The real problem was our death bowling letting Delhi chase 225. 😤
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Lauren Z
Parag is showing mature captaincy here. He's taking responsibility for the loss but also explaining the rationale. The team just needs to work on their middle-overs bowling strategy. With a week's break, they should come back stronger. Hope his hamstring is okay! 🤞
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Priya S
Honestly, I think they overthought it. In T20s, you just want your best hitters facing the most balls. Ferreira was in red-hot form—should have been sent in earlier. But credit to Delhi for the chase, they were clinical. RR need to rethink their middle-order strategy. 🏏
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Michael C
Interesting perspective from Parag. The lefty-righty combo is underrated in IPL. And 225 is a mammoth score—bowlers really let them down. Still, it's good to see young captains thinking deeply about match-ups. The future of Indian cricket looks bright! 🌟

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