‘I was not supposed to play today’ – Riyan Parag not completely fit but will play Eliminator

A Captain’s Grit at the Wankhede

In the high-stakes world of the Indian Premier League, few narratives are as compelling as a leader pushing through physical limitations for the sake of the team. Following the Rajasthan Royals’ crucial victory over the Mumbai Indians, which secured their spot in the IPL 2026 playoffs, captain Riyan Parag provided a candid update on his fitness status. With his team facing a do-or-die scenario, Parag revealed the extent of his struggles, stating, “‘I was not supposed to play today’ – Riyan Parag not completely fit but will play,” highlighting the precarious nature of his participation during this vital league fixture.

The Road to Qualification

The Rajasthan Royals found themselves in a difficult position late in the season, having dropped three consecutive games. However, a spirited comeback in their final two matches ensured they clinched the fourth and final playoff berth on the very last day of the league stage. Reflecting on the campaign, Parag was characteristically honest. “We should have qualified way earlier,” he admitted. “We left it a little too late, I think we left a lot on the table. And I feel we’re picking up the slack after losing three games in a row. Hopefully, we learn from all our mistakes and we put up a better show.”

Tactical Bravery and Strategic Maneuvers

Beyond his physical condition, Parag’s leadership style has come under the spotlight. During the encounter against Mumbai Indians, the Royals defended a total of 205, thanks in part to several bold tactical decisions. The promotion of Jofra Archer to the No. 7 spot and the strategic use of his bowling spells in the middle overs proved pivotal in silencing the late surge from Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya. Parag described these decisions not as gambles, but as calculated risks inherent to his leadership philosophy. “I’ve taken a lot of brave calls, actually, this season,” he remarked. “But that’s how I like to lead. I feel you’ve got to take your chances. It’s not a gamble, but of course, you think about it a lot.”

The Emerging Stars

Parag also took a moment to laud the efforts of his young bowling unit, specifically highlighting 19-year-old Yash Raj Punja and Brijesh Sharma. Punja, who transitioned from a net bowler to a lead spinner, along with Sharma, were instrumental in dismantling the MI chase. Parag noted their development with a mix of pride and caution, wanting to keep their focus sharp for the upcoming knockout stages. “I don’t usually praise them a lot, so they don’t get all bloated and stuff. After today, I think they deserve it. Brijesh, the way he’s come back… and Punja, I think from a net bowler to his journey right now, being the lead spinner, I think, remarkable job.”

Eyes on the Eliminator

Despite walking gingerly around the field during the match and admitting that he was not even intended to feature in the game, Parag remains firmly focused on the next challenge. When questioned about his availability for the upcoming Eliminator against the Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 27, his answer was unequivocal: “Yeah, of course.” As the Royals prepare for the high-pressure environment of the playoffs, the fitness of their captain will remain a major talking point. Nevertheless, Parag’s willingness to lead from the front, regardless of his physical state, provides a significant psychological boost to a team that is currently peaking at the right time. Whether he is at one hundred percent or not, his presence on the field seems to be the catalyst the Rajasthan Royals need to make a deep run into the tournament.