Riyan Parag admitted Rajasthan Royals still have several areas to improve despite sealing the final IPL 2026 playoff spot with a crucial 30-run win over Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium. RR crossed the 200-run mark thanks to explosive late hitting from Jofra Archer and Ravindra Jadeja before Archer’s brilliant spell with the ball helped knock Mumbai Indians out of the tournament. Speaking after the win, Parag explained the tactical thinking behind promoting Archer to No. 7 and sending Jadeja at No. 9 during RR’s late batting surge. “Obviously it’s good when things go to plan. I know we’ve won the game, we’ve qualified, but a lot of areas that we can do better,” Parag said. “Wanted the set batter to play a little longer (the move to have Jofra at 7, Jaddu at 9). We needed runs. It’s a wicket where you can’t have two players batting in the middle and going at a run a ball. Wanted one guy to take the initiative, take the risk. And the other guy could stay a little bit longer.” The RR captain reserved special praise for Jadeja, whose unbeaten 19 off 11 balls proved crucial in the final overs. “And Jadeja is as reliable as always. I knew back-end he would get us at least 20 off 10 which he did,” he added. Parag also opened up on his aggressive leadership style and insisted the decisions were based more on instinct than statistical match-ups. “Have taken a lot of brave calls actually this season. That’s how I like to lead. That’s how I lead Assam as well. You got to take your chances, it’s not a gamble. Of course you think about it a lot.” One of those calls involved using Archer directly against Hardik Pandya during Mumbai’s chase, a move that proved decisive after the England pacer dismissed the MI skipper in the 16th over. “I thought, Hardik – there’s only one guy who can get him out and that is Jofra. That paid off well.” When asked whether his decisions are driven by data or instinct, Parag gave a straightforward answer: “Instincts always.” The RR skipper also praised uncapped bowlers Brijesh Sharma and Yash Raj Punja for stepping up in a pressure game, though he joked about usually avoiding too much praise. “It’s tough but all the credit to them. I don’t usually praise them so they don’t get all bloated and stuff. But after tonight I think they deserve it.” “Brijesh – the way he’s come back after getting a few games here and there, where he’s gone for some runs in the last few overs. How he bowled today and how he’s been bowling.” “And Punja, from a net bowler to his journey right now, being the lead spinner. Remarkable job. I hope they do it for another one game and then another two games.” Parag also revealed he is still not fully fit physically but credited mental toughness for helping him continue through the season. “I’m definitely not fit. All of this was mental toughness.” He also provided updates on Archer and Jadeja ahead of the playoffs. “Jofra’s fine, he’s strong as a rock. Jaddu bhai has some niggles here and there.” Despite securing qualification, Parag admitted RR made life harder for themselves by leaving it too late. “We should’ve qualified way earlier. Left it a little too late. Hopefully we learn from all of our games.”
