Rajasthan Royals batting coach Vikram Rathour attributed their seven-wicket loss to Delhi Capitals to poor bowling execution, especially during the powerplay, in the IPL 2026 fixture held in Jaipur on Friday night.
Rathour expressed confidence that the total of 226 runs posted was sufficient for the pitch but said that the failure to execute bowling plans led to the defeat. “The reason behind this is that the bowling couldn’t execute their plans. I thought 226 was enough on this surface, and we should have been able to defend that. But I think it’s important to have a good power play with the ball. I thought we gave away lots of runs and didn’t pick up any wickets. And then later also, we really couldn’t execute our plans,” he stated during the post-match press conference.
Despite the loss, Rathour praised the middle order’s response following early dismissals. “We were consistently getting good starts. Both our openers were doing well for us in every match. So, this was the first time that both got out early. So as a team, I think it was important how we came out of that situation and how we played. The way Riyan Parag and Dhruv Jurel batted at that time, the partnership they built, and the way Donovan finished it, it was really good to see,” he said.
He added, “It gives a lot of confidence to the team that we are not dependent on just one or two players. So, whichever day whosever turn it is, or whoever is playing well, they can win the game for us or put up a good score. It was really positive. So again, now the work has to be done on how to defend the score.”
Regarding captain Riyan Parag’s fitness, Rathour confirmed the batter was fine after suffering cramps. “He’s absolutely fine. He had a bit of a cramp, I think, but he’s fine,” he said.
Addressing Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s dismissal, Rathour suggested that one early wicket should not be considered a turning point. “Not really. 226 runs were made, which is enough in my opinion. Otherwise, anyone getting out can be a turning point. Everyone can’t make runs every time. And we shouldn’t have those expectations from Vaibhav either, that he will make runs every time.” He added, “He is playing well. Whenever he is getting a start, Sooryavanshi is converting those starts. A good ball was bowled right at the start, so he could also get out.”
On Delhi speedster Kyle Jamieson dismissing Sooryavanshi, Rathour remarked it was a compliment to the 15-year-old player. “No, it’s nothing like that. Obviously, he (Jamieson) was excited, and that is a compliment, probably for Vaibhav, that people are feeling so happy after getting him out. So, that’s a compliment for him,” he stated.
A powerful 110-run opening partnership between KL Rahul (75 off 40) and Pathum Nissanka (62 off 33) set the foundation for Delhi Capitals’ record chase of 226 runs, which was completed comfortably by Tristan Stubbs (18*) and Ashutosh Sharma (25*) with five balls remaining.
Earlier, Riyan Parag led Rajasthan Royals’ innings with an impressive 90 runs off 50 balls, his first half-century of the season, while Donovan Ferreira struck an unbeaten 47 runs from just 14 deliveries to propel RR to 225/6 after opting to bat. Parag stabilised the innings alongside Dhruv Jurel (42) following early wickets, before Mitchell Starc’s return saw key dismissals, including that of the RR captain, with figures of three for 40.
This victory marks Delhi Capitals’ highest successful run chase in IPL history, sealing the match with five balls to spare.