‘GT and SRH please help us’ – Riyan Parag makes humble request after Rajasthan Royals’ win over Punjab Kings

In order to stay alive in the IPL playoffs race, Rajasthan had to defeat Punjab Kings in their final league game of the IPL 2023 season on Friday, May 19. The Sanju Samson-led side did what it could and now, they will have to wait and watch how Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore play against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Titans respectively.

Notably, if Mumbai and Bangalore both manage to lose their respective matches, Rajasthan will have a brilliant chance to make it to the top four. If the Faf du Plessis-led side loses by four or fewer runs, they will go through – courtesy of having a superior net run rate. However, if they manage by five or more runs, the season will end for the three-time finalists. 

Thus, ahead of the big game, Rajasthan Royals youngster Riyan Paran tweeted in favour of GT and SRH and asked them to win their respective matches and help the 2008 champions to make it to the playoffs.

“GT and SRH please help us out a little now,” Riyan tweeted after RR’s win over PBKS.

Notably, Parag’s form has been heavily scrutinised throughout the course of the season but in their final league game, the Assam-born cricketer hit two sixes to help RR win the match by four wickets. Even though he couldn’t really finish the game but his 20 runs off 12 deliveries cameo helped RR in the final overs.

Chasing 188 runs, RR had a very poor start as opener Jos Buttler once again failed to open his tally. Youngster Yashasvi Jaiswal and Devdutt Padikkal tried to control the situation but soon after they got out, things were looking difficult as RR needed to play an aggressive brand of cricket.

That’s when Shimron Hetmyer stepped up and hit 46 runs off 28 deliveries to change the complexion of the game. Later, Dhruv Jurel showed a lot of composure as RR won the match with two balls remaining.