Strong starts followed by a steep drop have been a recurring theme in the Rajasthan Royals’ recent campaigns. That decline has been more severe in IPL 2025. With a third of the league stage remaining, they are in shock after seven losses in nine games, including five straight.
The way they have lost their last three games is much more concerning. Each has arrived while pursuing seemingly attainable goals. They only needed nine runs off the last over against the Delhi Capitals and the Lucknow Super Giants. They fell by 11 runs after having 18 runs off the final two against RCB.
“In all three games, we needed nine runs an over, and in T20s these days, with the kind of hitting ability we have, that shouldn’t be difficult,” seamer Sandeep Sharma said after their latest loss. “But we’re losing wickets at key moments. When we try to accelerate, it’s not clicking. We’re not executing our plans under pressure.”
“We haven’t been able to grab the crunch moments, whether chasing or defending,” Sandeep said. “In T20s, every team gets those moments. You have to take them. This year, we’re dropping crucial catches, losing wickets right when we need to push the scoring. That’s been the problem, we’re crumbling under pressure.”
“Last season, we were nailing those moments. Same players – Riyan, Dhruv, Yashasvi – were delivering. And we were fielding better. That’s something we’re missing this year.”
As captain in lieu of Sanju Samson due to injury, Parag blamed the batters for failing to reroute the pressure from the RCB spin pair. “We had the upper hand midway through our innings thanks to our batting. In the final 10–11 overs, we likely required eight and a half runs per over. Since we didn’t demonstrate enough intent against the spinners, I believe we are to blame. We should have done a slightly better job of batting,” he remarked.
Parag responded, “The support staff has given us a lot of freedom,” when asked if the difficulties are more mental than tactical. It is our responsibility as players and as individuals to demonstrate that freedom by playing freely and putting on performances that are purposeful. You will pay the price for even the smallest error in this event. And today was one of those days.
