Rajasthan Royals’ captain Riyan Parag during IPL T20 game against CSK, at the ACA Stadium, Barsapara, in Guwahati, Assam, on March 30, 2026.
| Photo Credit: PTI
It was a result shaped by contrasting approaches in the clash between Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings, with Riyan Parag and Mike Hussey offering candid reflections after the match. While Parag spoke from the perspective of a captain whose plans clicked on the night, Hussey was more introspective, pointing to early setbacks that left the Chennai outfit playing catch-up.“
“My team executed the plans really well. The conditions suited us, and I think I did a decent job. Hopefully, we can repeat this in the next match if similar conditions are there,” said Parag, who also stressed the importance of the toss after the eight-wicket win to open the IPL 2026 campaign.
“There was quite a bit of moisture early on, which made a difference. The pitch changed as the game progressed, so yes, the toss did play an important role.”
Parag, however, was quick to underline the fine margins that shape perceptions in T20 cricket. “Cricket is very result-oriented. If I had done the same things today and we had lost, the narrative would have been that I’m a bad captain. If we end up on the winning side, it always looks prettier. But if it doesn’t come off and the batter hits a few boundaries, I’ll be sitting here like a dumb duck.”
Hussey, meanwhile, acknowledged that his side fell short of its standards. “Losing those early wickets put us under pressure, and we just couldn’t get a partnership going. But we know we’re a lot better than what we showed today. We’ll leave this performance here and move on.”
Backing his players, he added, “I don’t want our batters to have clouded thoughts. I’d prefer them to come in with a clear attitude, assess the conditions quickly and then back themselves. If it comes off, great. If it doesn’t, that’s sometimes cricket.”
Published – March 31, 2026 08:02 pm IST
