Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag remained optimistic despite his side’s IPL 2026 campaign ending with a seven-wicket defeat to the Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2. While the loss denied RR a place in the final, Parag believes the team has laid a strong foundation for success in the coming seasons.

Rajasthan looked well-positioned after posting 214/6, thanks largely to another extraordinary innings from teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The 15-year-old continued his dream season with a brilliant 96 off 47 deliveries, once again showcasing his fearless stroke play on a challenging surface in New Chandigarh.

However, the Gujarat Titans made light work of the target. Their star opening pair of Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan produced a match-winning partnership of 167 runs from just 77 balls. Gill led from the front with a magnificent 104 off 53 deliveries, while Sudharsan contributed a rapid 58 off 32 balls, putting GT firmly in control of the chase.

ALSO READ: Kumar Sangakkara Questions Sam Curran’s IPL Absence After County Cricket Comeback

Speaking after the match, Riyan Parag felt Rajasthan’s total was competitive but admitted they fell slightly short of the ideal score in a high-pressure knockout encounter. “I think 215 was defendable, but the wicket became a little better in the second innings after the heavy roller. During our innings, the spinners were getting some grip, and the slower deliveries were holding up slightly,” Parag said.

The RR skipper added that his side had an opportunity to push their total beyond 230, a score he believes could have significantly changed the complexion of the match.

“At one stage, 230 or even 240 looked possible. In games of this magnitude, those extra 15-20 runs can make a huge difference,” he explained.

WATCH – Emotional Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Reacts After Rajasthan Royals’ IPL 2026 Defeat

Parag acknowledged that once Gill and Sudharsan settled in, the chase became increasingly difficult. Nevertheless, he chose to focus on the positives from Rajasthan’s season. “It has been a good campaign with plenty of positives. Looking at the bigger picture, this group has a bright future ahead. The way we have played this season gives us confidence that we can build something special over the next few years,” Parag concluded.