- May 4, 2025
In IPL 2025, the Rajasthan Royals’ campaign ended suddenly due to a lack of preparation, and this team crashed out of IPL 2025 playoffs. This year’s champions became 2nd team to be eliminated from the playoff race, following an embarrassing 100-run defeat to Mumbai Indians. With only three games remaining, the Royals’ slim hopes have been extinguished, prompting stand-in skipper Riyan Parag to reflect on what went wrong.
A Season of Missed Opportunities: Riyan Parag
Rajasthan Royals have lost 8 out of 11 matches this season due to inconsistency and poor performance under pressure. Thursday’s match against the table-topping Mumbai Indians vs Rajosthan Royals was the final nail in the coffin. Royals scored just 117 against Mumbai’s daunting 217/2.
Rajasthan Royals Middle Order Fails to Deliver
Royals’ batting collapse has repeated many times through the season. Even when chasing under pressure, the middle order failed to capitalize on strong opening partnerships in several matches.
In the middle-order, there were notable failures: collapse during PowerPlay overs when early wickets fell, and struggles to stay in the game. Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants, where 9 runs were needed in the final over in both innings, and poor performance among Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, and lower-order batters.
Parag acknowledged the repeated breakdowns in crucial moments. He talks about small mistakes and missed chances. We need to learn how not to repeat them going forward.”
RR’s Strategic Decisions Backfire
Pre-season auction strategy was a major contributor to the Royals’ downfall, which raised eyebrows across the cricketing community. In both their batting and bowling departments, the loss of experienced players like Jos Buttler and Trent Boult left glaring gaps.
There have been some major strategic mistakes, such as the release of Jos Buttler, a proven match winner in T20s, the release of Trent Boult, a spinner, and the failure to strengthen the squad with experienced players.
Sanju Samson, the team’s captain and most experienced batter, has been injured for the past four matches. As a result, Riyan Parag to lead and Shimron Hetmyer to bat, their last qualified international.
Parag Remains Hopeful for Recovery
Though Parag was knocked out of the playoffs, he remains optimistic about a successful season. There are still three matches left for the Royals to play, and the captain is confident that the team can learn from its mistakes and improve.
It is a perfect opportunity for younger players and supporting players to prove themselves ahead of the IPL 2026, especially since the team is preparing for a possible reorganization.
Final Thoughts
Rajasthan Royals’ IPL 2025 season will be remembered as a missed opportunity, ruined by injuries, flawed strategy, and an underperforming middle order. As Mumbai Indians continue their dominance, RR must now shift focus to finishing strong, analyzing their mistakes, and preparing a more balanced and experienced squad for next year.
It’s not just about pride for a team that once ruled the IPL, but also a test of character as Sanju Samson’s return is uncertain.
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