As Rajasthan Royals face growing uncertainty ahead of their clash against the Lucknow Super Giants on April 19, Cheteshwar Pujara has suggested a key reshuffle in their batting order. The team is currently grappling with the possible absence of skipper Sanju Samson, who suffered a rib injury during the Super Over defeat to Delhi Capitals. With Sanju Samson participation in doubt, Pujara believes Riyan Parag is the right choice to open the innings alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal.
“I think that Riyan Parag will take the opening slot, because he can fill the vacancy at the top quite well. His batting is really good against the pace bowlers and we have seen that when he comes to bat in at No.3 or No.4, he has taken a while to settle down,” Pujara explained while speaking on a show.
He further elaborated on why a promotion to the top might suit Riyan. “If he gets a chance to face pace bowling on a good wicket, then RR can get the most out of the powerplay with him and Yashasvi Jaiswal,” he added.
So far in IPL 2025, Riyan Parag has mostly featured in the middle order, accumulating 173 runs from seven games at an average of 28.83 and a strike rate of 147.86. Earlier in the season, he had even led the side when Samson was used solely as an impact player.
The Royals are under pressure, having slumped to eighth in the points table after three successive defeats. With injuries compounding their form issues, the team is in search of answers across departments. Samson’s side strain has left the team management scrambling for contingency plans as they prepare to face Lucknow.
Head coach Rahul Dravid confirmed the uncertainty surrounding Samson’s fitness, stating that the captain had “experienced a bit of pain in the abdominal area,” and had undergone scans following the discomfort.
