Riyan Parag credited Dhruv Jurel for a crucial tactical call that helped Rajasthan Royals seal a narrow six-run win over Gujarat Titans in their IPL 2026 clash in Ahmedabad on Saturday.
Defending 210 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Rajasthan were under pressure with GT needing 15 runs from the final two overs.
Parag, the Rajasthan Royals captain, had multiple options at his disposal for the final two overs, including Jofra Archer, Tushar Deshpande and Nandre Burger, but a late rethink in the bowling order proved decisive.
“I was actually going to switch up the order, so credit to Dhruv Jurel for that,” Parag said after the match. “He asked me to go with Jofra in the 19th.
“So the plan was, because it was like a three-ball difference, it was 15 off 12, I just wanted to take a chance, go as fast as possible and be as aggressive as possible. If it comes off, it looks really good. If it doesn’t, I’ll just be disappointed and try again next time.”
Archer delivered a tight 19th over, conceding just four runs to leave GT needing 11 off the final over. Deshpande then closed out the game, giving away only four runs to secure a thrilling win for the Royals.
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Speaking after the game, Archer also lauded the tactical call.
“Riyan changed his mind. He (Deshpande) was going to bowl the 19th, and I was going to bowl the last. Everything that could have gone right in the field went right, and I am proud of the boys,” the English pacer said.
Archer also had a crucial role in the final over as he pulled off a brilliant catch to dismiss Rashid Khan on the penultimate ball. The piece of action virtually sealed GT’s fate.
"Initially, when he hit it, I thought it was going to six. I just ran and hoped for the best, and thankfully it went in,” said Archer.
The experienced pacer also heaped praise on his junior colleague Deshpande for the way he handled the pressure in the final over.
Earlier, Jurel had also played a key role with the bat, top-scoring with 75 - his highest score in the T20 format - after being promoted to number three. Parag said the move was long overdue.
“Yeah, I think we’ve not done a lot of justice to the talent that he possesses. He’s done the hard job. He’s batted at six and seven but when we had an opportunity at number three, I was the first one to say he had to bat there and he showed us why he can.”
“So hopefully this is the start for him and he goes on to score 700 or 800 runs and wins us the championship,” Parag concluded.
Rajasthan have now opened their IPL 2026 campaign with consecutive wins and sit at the top of the standings.
Rajasthan Royals will face Mumbai Indians in their next IPL 2026 match at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati on Tuesday.
