IPL 2026: ‘Jurel asked me to go with Jofra for 19th,’ reveals Riyan Parag after Royals’ thrilling win
Ahmedabad: Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag revealed that wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel played a key role in a crucial tactical call late in the game, suggesting that Jofra Archer bowl the 19th over during their dramatic six-run win over Gujarat Titans in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Saturday.
Defending 210, Rajasthan were under pressure in the closing stages of Gujarat’s chase as stand-in skipper Rashid Khan and Kagiso Rabada threatened to pull off a stunning finish. With the match heading into the final two overs, Parag said the plan was to attack the stumps with pace and keep the batters from freeing their arms.
“It was just incredible. Took a chance – to go full and fast, and the boys delivered. I was so excited they executed the way they wanted,” Riyan Parag said after the game.
Parag revealed he had initially considered altering the bowling order at the death but eventually stuck with Archer for the penultimate over after a timely suggestion from Jurel, who had earlier starred with the bat with a crucial knock. “I was actually going to switch the order, but credit to Jurel – he asked me to go with Jofra for the 19th,” he said.
Archer’s pace and accuracy ensured Rajasthan regained control of the contest, leaving the Titans needing 11 runs in the final over. Tushar Deshpande then held his nerve brilliantly, delivering a series of pinpoint yorkers to restrict Gujarat and seal a thrilling victory for the Royals.
Parag also reserved special praise for Jurel’s growing influence in the side, highlighting the youngster’s willingness to step up both with the bat and with on-field inputs during crunch situations. He also spoke about Jurel’s new role at No. 3 from the middle-order, as he said, “Wanted to go as fast as possible and as straight as possible (for the final two overs). He (Jurel) has done the hard job. He has batted at 6 and 7. Now that there is an opportunity, I was the first one to say he has to bat at three. Hopefully, he can score 700-800 runs and win us the championship.”
Jurel had earlier laid the foundation for Rajasthan’s imposing total with a superb innings in the middle order, helping his side post 210/6 before their bowlers held their nerve in a tense finish to clinch a memorable win.