In a breathtaking display of power-hitting, Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag etched his name into Indian Premier League (IPL) history by becoming the first player to hit six consecutive sixes across two overs. Despite his heroic 95 off 45 balls, Rajasthan fell agonizingly short, losing to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by just one run at Eden Gardens on Sunday.
Parag’s Record-Breaking Onslaught
Chasing a formidable target of 207, Rajasthan found themselves in dire straits at 71-5 in the eighth over. Parag, however, turned the tide with a sensational innings. The 13th over saw him unleash four consecutive sixes off Moeen Ali, interrupted only by a wide, before dispatching the final delivery for another six. He continued his assault in the next over, reverse-sweeping Varun Chakravarthy for his sixth consecutive six, a feat never before achieved in IPL history.
Reflecting on his performance, Parag said, “The ground is very, very fast. So I knew I had my boundaries if I just stood in there.” His dismissal in the 18th over, however, stalled Rajasthan’s momentum, leading to a narrow defeat.
A Season of Individual Brilliance Amidst Team Struggles
Parag’s remarkable innings adds to an impressive personal season. He has amassed 26 sixes, ranking fourth in the league, trailing only Nicholas Pooran of Lucknow Super Kings. His consistent performances have been a silver lining in an otherwise disappointing season for Rajasthan Royals, who are currently eighth in the 10-team league and out of playoff contention.
Earlier in the season, Parag showcased his prowess with an unbeaten 84 off 45 balls against Delhi Capitals, leading Rajasthan to a 12-run victory. His innings included a 25-run final over against Anrich Nortje, featuring four boundaries and two sixes.
Leadership Amid Adversity
Appointed captain following Sanju Samson’s injury, the 23-year-old Parag has embraced leadership responsibilities. Despite the team’s struggles, his individual performances have stood out, highlighting his potential as a future cornerstone for the franchise.
Parag’s ability to perform under pressure was evident in a match against Mumbai Indians, where he scored an unbeaten 54 off 39 balls, guiding Rajasthan to a comfortable victory. He emphasized the importance of team success over personal accolades, stating, “Winning two points is way bigger than me and satisfying my ego of hitting a six.”
What’s Next
While the Royals’ playoff hopes have been dashed, Parag’s emergence as a reliable performer offers a glimmer of hope for the future. His ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed makes him a valuable asset. As Rajasthan looks to rebuild, Parag’s leadership and batting prowess will be central to their plans.
In a season marked by challenges, Riyan Parag’s historic six-sixes feat stands as a testament to his talent and determination. Though the Royals fell short, Parag’s performance has etched itself into IPL lore, offering fans a glimpse of what the future holds for this young star.
