In Match 53 of IPL 2025 at Eden Gardens, the stage was set for another high-voltage encounter between Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals. After Andre Russell’s sensational power-hitting took KKR to a daunting total of 206, all eyes turned to RR’s response—and skipper Riyan Parag rose to the occasion with a stunning counterattack.
Ajinkya Rahane’s decision to bat first seemed justified as Russell turned the heat up in the final overs. Despite KKR’s modest start, the West Indian all-rounder lit up Eden Gardens with a blistering 27 off 17 balls, featuring a hat-trick of sixes off Maheesh Theekshana, ensuring his side posted a towering total.
WATCH – Varun Chakravarthy Castles Jurel and Hasaranga in Magical Over at Eden Gardens
Rajasthan’s chase, however, got off to a wobbly start. The Royals lost early wickets, and even though Yashasvi Jaiswal and Parag stitched a brief recovery, another mini-collapse had them reeling again. Just when it seemed the Royals were heading toward defeat, Riyan Parag dug deep.
𝙍𝙖𝙢𝙥𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙍𝙞𝙮𝙖𝙣 🔥
The #RR captain is in the mood tonight 😎
He keeps @rajasthanroyals in the game 🩷
Updates ▶ https://t.co/wg00ni9CQE#TATAIPL | #KKRvRR | @rajasthanroyals | @ParagRiyan pic.twitter.com/zwGdrP3yMB
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 4, 2025
The RR skipper displayed immense maturity and tactical awareness. He paced his innings smartly before choosing Moeen Ali as the target to ignite a comeback. In the 13th over, Parag turned the tide with a display of brute force, hammering five consecutive sixes off Moeen. He then followed it up with another maximum on the very next ball he faced in the following over, making it six sixes in six legal deliveries.
WATCH – Andre Russell Unleashes Carnage: Smashes Hat-Trick of Sixes off Maheesh Theekshana
Parag’s fireworks not only brought the Royals back into the game but also showcased a version of him fans had long waited to see. Often considered a talent yet to peak, Parag’s explosive knock felt like the arrival of a matured match-winner. In a game where RR looked buried, their captain’s fearlessness revived hope—and perhaps, reshaped his IPL legacy.
