Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag said that he trusts his instincts while making on-field decisions and gave credit to a series of “brave” calls for their entry into this season’s IPL playoffs after a convincing win over the Mumbai Indians. RR posted 205 for eight before restricting MI to 175 for nine to seal the deal.
“I’ve taken a lot of brave calls this season, that’s how I like to lead. I thought only Archer could get Hardik, and that’s what he did. I always go with instincts over numbers in real-time decisions,” Parag said during the post-match presentation. “Feels good when things go to plan. We’ve won but there are a lot of things we need to do better. I wanted the set batter to play longer, we needed runs. We can’t have two batters go at a run a ball. That’s why we sent Jadeja, we wanted a quick 20 from him, which he provided.”
He also said that he is not 100 percent fit yet, but he felt confident about playing in the playoffs.
“I was definitely not fit, I wasn’t supposed to play today or the next game. Will definitely play the next game. Jofra is strong as a rock. Jaddu’s strong, he’s a warrior. We should’ve qualified way earlier. We’re picking slack,” he shared.
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Meanwhile, RR Director of Cricket Kumar Sangakkara also credited the bowlers for holding their nerves in pressure moments.
“During the last timeout it was just about sticking to plans and holding your nerve. All the bowlers did a brilliant job,” Sangakkara said. “It’s always guesswork, isn’t it? It’s great when it works. We know what Jofra can do with the bat. Wanted him to go out there and take a bit of risk.”
He also praised Jofra Archer’s involvement with the side. He also applauded young spinner Yash Raj Punja (2/44) for his composure against veteran batters.
“He has been like that in every single game. Very invested in the team, helping everyone. Has been the spearhead right from the start.” Sangakkara also added, “He’s tall, has got good revs on the ball, turns his leg-spinner and the googly. This is a good wicket to bat on but the way he bowled to those seasoned batters was outstanding. We don’t pick age, we pick ability.”
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Meanwhile, fast bowler Archer said that sticking to disciplined lines and bowling with pace paid off as he brilliantly bowled his spell.
“I don’t think this is my best season. Every time I take the ball, I have to hit good areas. Not always rewarded, happy it came on an important day,” said Archer, who was named Player of the Match. “They said no more pace off after the first couple of games. There’s more margin for error with pace on. You have to deal with edges from time to time, but it’s safer more often.”
“I wasn’t expecting to bat so early due to the impact sub. Main coach told me to put pads on, I was surprised at first,” he said. “I class myself as an all-rounder but folks call me a bowler.”
