IPL 2024, RR vs RCB Strategic Corner - RCB's Trump Card Against Riyan Parag

Riyan Parag has been the highest run-scorer for RR in IPL 2024 [iplt20.com]Riyan Parag has been the highest run-scorer for RR in IPL 2024 [iplt20.com]

Rajasthan Royals are one of the two teams who have yet to face a defeat in IPL 2024. Their next assignment will be against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 6th at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium. 

Some of the big names in the RR camp are yet to deliver in this edition. Jos Buttler and Yashasvi Jaiswal have disappointed the team as they have had no impact with the bat. The skipper, Sanju Samson, fired in the first game but failed to fire after that. So far, the RR win wagon is riding on the shoulders of Riyan Parag 2.0. RCB will aim to win this match and get back on the winning track, and their biggest obstacle will be Riyan Parag.

Let us look at his performance in the IPL 2024 and his dismissals in IPL 2023 and devise a plan against him for RCB. 


Why will Riyan Parag be a threat for Royal Challengers Bengaluru?

  • Riyan Parag has been in brilliant form in IPL 2023. He has scored 181 runs in three innings and emerged as the team's game-changer in all three games.
  • Even in the seasons when Parag did not perform to the best of his abilities, he had an excellent record at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium. He has played seven innings at the venue and has scored 209 runs in them at an average of 52.20 and a strike rate of 151.40. 
  • The last time Parag played against RCB, he played a brilliant knock of 56 runs from 31 balls and impacted the game to emerge as the match-winner. He will be looking to maintain his momentum in this game, too.


Plan against Riyan Parag

Here is an account of how Riyan Parag was dismissed in the matches he played in IPL 2023. 

Bowler Type
Dismissals
Line
Dismissals
Lengths
Dismissals
Left arm medium pace1Leg Stump2Good Length3
Right arm fast medium2Outside Off Stump3Full Length3
Right arm medium pace1Off Stump1--
Right arm leg spinner2----

Table - Dismissal details of Riyan Parag in IPL 2023

Riyan Parag has always been an aggressive batter. The line and lengths of his dismissal types in IPL 2023 indicate that he has been prey to aggressive or rash shots. So, a particular based on this might not be easy. However, his two dismissals against leg spinners can be something to work with. 

Now, let us look at how he has played in IPL 2024.

Bowling type
Strike Rate
Line
Strike Rate
Length
Strike Rate
Left arm orthodox83.33Outside Off Stump188.23Full Length171.42
Right arm fast medium166.66Off Stump80.00Good Length126.31
Right arm leg spinner150.00Middle Stump125.00Short Length33.33
Right arm medium pace220Leg Stump33.33Short of Good Length175
--Outside Leg Stump100--

Table- Analysis of Riyan Parag's run scoring in IPL 2024

The above table suggests that Riyan Parag has been quieter against the left-arm orthodox bowlers. The area around the good length and short of it could work for RCB. But the prime idea should be to bowl at the stumps because Parag enjoys room outside the off stump. 


RCB have Mayank Dagar, a left-arm orthodox spinner who could be good against Riyan. He must keep him restricted by bowling around the good length and within the three sticks. RCB should plant to restrict his singles at the start of the innings, thus suffocating him to get dismissed. 

If the pacers are bowling at him, back of a length and a bit short of it at the off and middle stump will be the perfect line to keep him quiet. The kind of form Parag is in, the best plot will be to suffocate and induce him into playing a false shot.