Riyan Parag’s blistering knock of 43 runs off 29 balls propelled Rajasthan Royals (RR) to a 20-run victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The all-rounder revealed that he developed new shots while batting alongside skipper Sanju Samson, who guided him to play cautiously on a challenging wicket.
Parag’s innings was a display of power and precision, with three towering sixes and a boundary. He credited Samson for advising him to avoid risky shots, recognizing the tricky conditions. “Today, when batting with Sanju bhaiya, I had developed a few shots and I was constantly trying to poke him by asking ‘Sanju bhaiya, let me hit one’,” Parag said. “But he was like ‘no, no, today’s wicket isn’t that easy.'”
Parag acknowledged that he would have attempted more aggressive shots if Samson had not been present. “If I didn’t have him there, I would have tried to play that shot, it may or may not have come off,” he admitted. “But then that element of risk goes down and you prolong your innings and get your team to a better score.”
RR’s innings was anchored by Samson’s unbeaten 82 off 52 balls, which included six sixes. The duo shared a 93-run partnership, setting the platform for a competitive total of 193/4.
LSG’s chase got off to a shaky start, losing three wickets for just 11 runs. Deepak Hooda and KL Rahul steadied the innings, but their dismissals left LSG in a precarious position. Nicholas Pooran’s 64 off 41 balls kept LSG in the hunt, but RR’s bowlers struck at crucial moments to secure the victory.
Trent Boult was the standout bowler for RR, claiming 2/35. Sandeep, Ashwin, Nandre Burger, and Yuzvendra Chahal also chipped in with wickets. Samson was named ‘Player of the Match’ for his match-winning half-century.
