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Rajasthan Royals’ Inconsistency Exposed as Rathour Admits “We Haven’t Clicked as a Group”
cLose Another Close Contest in a Thrilling Finish at Eden Gardens
The Rajasthan Royals (RR) faced yet another heart-wrenching defeat in IPL 2025, losing by a narrow margin of 1 run to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in a last-ball thriller at Eden Gardens. This marks the fourth close loss of the season for RR, further denting their playoff hopes and reflecting a recurring issue of not closing out games.
A String of Missed Opportunities
Rajasthan’s latest defeat adds to their streak of narrow misses this season — a Super Over loss to Delhi Capitals, a 2-run defeat to Lucknow Super Giants, an 11-run gap against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and now this one-run heartbreak against KKR. RR’s batting coach Vikram Rathour expressed disappointment, acknowledging that despite individual performances, the team has consistently failed to perform collectively.
“This is the fourth game where we had it in the bag and let it slip,” Rathour said. “We haven’t clicked as a group, and that’s been our biggest challenge this season.”
Riyan Parag’s Heroics Go in Vain
Despite a stunning knock from stand-in captain Riyan Parag, who smashed 95 off 45 balls, including five sixes in a single over off Moeen Ali, Rajasthan couldn’t cross the finish line. Parag’s dismissal in the 18th over, falling to Harshit Rana’s slower delivery, was the turning point.
A Missed Finishing Touch
After Parag’s wicket, RR needed 22 off the final over. While Shubham Dubey played a brief cameo, it wasn’t enough to seal the win.
“If Riyan had stayed till the end, we would have won,” Rathour admitted.
You can also revisit the Rajasthan Royals’ previous match analysis for more context on their performance trends.
Team Unity Missing, Says Rathour
Rathour emphasized that while RR players are in good individual form, the lack of cohesion is holding them back. He pointed to inconsistencies in both batting and bowling units, and underwhelming fielding performances as critical factors behind the team’s underachievement.
“Our players are scoring runs and bowling good spells individually. But as a group, we’ve not come together at crucial moments.”
No Regrets Over Jos Buttler Omission, but Hetmyer’s Form Disappoints
Rathour addressed the controversial decision of not retaining Jos Buttler, instead opting to retain Shimron Hetmyer as the overseas finisher. However, Hetmyer has had a mediocre season, failing to close matches.
“We are happy with the six players we retained. Hetmyer is a proven finisher, but this has been a lean season for him.”
Despite Hetmyer’s credentials in international and franchise cricket, Rathour maintained that players are allowed bad phases, and expressed confidence in Hetmyer’s return to form.
Rathour Remains Hopeful for the Future
While the season has been tough, Rathour was optimistic about the franchise’s future.
“There’s no lack of quality. I believe in the next couple of seasons, we’ll be a really strong side.”
For full match stats and player performance details, visit the official IPL website.
