Reflecting on the first innings, Parag felt his team fell short with the bat despite reading the conditions well early on.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI think like the first four or five overs we assessed, the was a 170-run wicket, so we were 10 under par for starters. And then I think the way we clawed back, the effort the bowlers put in, I'll say, and it was our game. No excuses there. We can't be dropping catches, we can't be bowling lines that help the batters. So, silly errors from our side. But this was our game,\u201d he said after the game.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite being slightly under par, Rajasthan\u2019s bowlers brought them back into contention, particularly through spin, a tactical call Parag stood by.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI think there was a lot of spin in the wicket (on not bowling Brijesh and the other pacers until late). And the way Bishnoi and Poonja bowl is different. I felt that spin was what the situation required. And that's why I went with it. When it works out, it looks nice. But then I felt it worked out today as well. And then just a few errors here and there. And that's the point,\u201d he noted.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Parag also elaborated on his decision-making regarding bowling changes, especially the delay in using pacer Brijesh Sharma.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI think he was almost there to bowl, I feel, the 14th and the 16th as well. But then they lost wickets and then they were two left-handers. So I got myself in and the spinners were going really well. So I chose to trust those spinners that we might, you know, get a slog or something to get a wicket. We almost did that. And once that Bishnoi's over was done, I felt, okay, spinners might go here because of the left-hand combinations. And I felt Brijesh will go 18 and 20th over,\u201d Parag stated.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
On the batting front, the 24-year-old acknowledged that the middle-order buildup was in line with the plan, but the finishing phase didn\u2019t go as intended.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe way the middle order executed today, I think they all set a platform for them. Me and Hetty, we took 10-15 balls each and then when it was time to go, we missed. So I think the game plan was there collectively during the time was we felt, like I said, it was a 170 wicket and we would give ourselves some time and go for the last five overs. We tried doing that, didn't really come off, but I'm happy with the way the boys are thinking,\u201d he mentioned.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
While disappointed with the result, Parag remained optimistic about the team\u2019s approach going forward, as he said, \u201cI feel, again, a few errors here and there and that's also true, boys. Hopefully next game, we could have a clinical game for you all.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He also reserved praise for young bowler Yash Punja, backing him to grow into a key asset for the franchise.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
While disappointed with the result, Parag remained optimistic about the team\u2019s approach going forward, as he said, \u201cI feel, again, a few errors here and there and that's also true, boys. Hopefully next game, we could have a clinical game for you all.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Rajasthan Royals posted a competitive total in the first innings but KKR eventually chased it down, with Rinku Singh and Anukul Roy\u2019s late heroics sealing a tense final-over win for the hosts.<\/p>\r\n\r\n