Former India batter Manoj Tiwary has said he was let down by Riyan Parag’s shot selection in Rajasthan Royals’ defeat to Kolkata Knight Riders, while lavishing praise on the home side’s spinners.
The Parag dismissal
Parag, the RR captain, fell for 12 off 14 balls in the 15th over. He tried to move across and play to the leg side against Varun Chakaravarthy, missed the ball completely, and was bowled off stump. Rajasthan needed a steady partnership at that stage.
Speaking on Cricbuzz, Tiwary said Parag simply could not read the delivery. He felt a player of such ability should have shown more responsibility and composure in that situation, and that Parag would surely be disappointed himself.
Spin takes control
Tiwary also singled out the effect of spin in the contest. Chakaravarthy took three wickets and Sunil Narine two as Rajasthan were restricted to 155 for 9. In his view, the dry surface of an afternoon game helped the ball turn, and when it turns, that pair become very dangerous.
The chase
KKR needed 156 and recorded their first win of the season, getting there by four wickets with two balls left. The decisive contribution was an unbroken 76-run partnership between Rinku Singh, who made 53 not out, and Anukul Roy, who finished on 29 not out.
