Rajasthan Royals (RR) spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule showered praise on interim skipper Riyan Parag despite their loss to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in a recent IPL 2025 match. The former cricketer said that Riyan Parag has the potential to become an all-format player for Team India in the future.
Rajasthan Royals suffered an eight-wicket defeat against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati on Wednesday, March 26. Riyan Parag scored 25 runs off 15 balls at his home ground. He went wicketless with the ball but managed to control the run rate, finishing with figures of 0/25.
Riyan Parag’s Consistency at the Domestic Level Has Been Remarkable – Sairaj Bahutule
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Sairaj Bahutule, who represented India in two Tests and eight ODIs, said that Riyan Parag doesn’t get the recognition he deserves despite performing well. The Rajasthan Royals spin bowling coach added that Parag’s consistency has been outstanding.
“Talking about Riyan, I think he’s improved with every opportunity he’s had. When you’re playing for Assam, sometimes your performances go unnoticed, even when you’re performing well. However, over the past 2-3 years, his consistency at the domestic level has been remarkable,” Bahutule said in the post-match press conference.
He Earned a Spot in the Indian Team – Sairaj Bahutule
Bahutule said that Parag’s impressive performances earned him a place in the Indian team. Sairaj expressed confidence that Parag will develop into a reliable all-rounder. Bahutule stated that Parag will evolve into an all-format player in the near future.
“Last year, he performed brilliantly and earned a spot in the Indian team. I’m confident that, with time, he’ll become a strong all-rounder. The way he bowled today, combined with his improving batting, shows his growth. Personally, I believe he’ll be an all-format player in the near future,” Bahutule added.
Parag enjoyed a stellar IPL 2024 campaign. He was the Rajasthan Royals’ top run-scorer, finishing as the third-highest overall in the tournament. He amassed 573 runs in 13 innings, maintaining an impressive average of 52.09. However, he has struggled to replicate that form in the first two matches of IPL 2025.
The Assam-born cricketer has scored just 29 runs at a modest average of 14.50. Parag will be looking to step up and deliver stronger performances in the upcoming matches.
Rajasthan Royals at the Bottom of IPL 2025 Standings with No Wins
Rajasthan Royals batted first after losing the toss and posted a total of a below-par 151/9. Rajasthan batters Dhruv Jurel (33), Yashasvi Jaiswal (29), and Riyan Parag (25) chipped in with the bat. Kolkata Knight Riders’ spinners Varun Chakaravarthy and Moeen Ali each took two wickets while bowling tight spells.
In response, KKR comfortably chased down the target in 17.3 overs. The Anjikyrahane-led team secured their first win of IPL 2025. Quinton de Kock anchored the innings with an unbeaten 97 off 61 balls.
Rajasthan Royals will next take on Chennai Super Kings at the same venue on Sunday, March 30.
Also read: Not Jasprit Bumrah! Ambati Rayudu picks the toughest bowler he’s ever faced in IPL history
