Gavaskar Compares Riyan Parag's Bowling to Mixed Pakodas in IPL 2025

Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar provided an interesting perspective on Riyan Parag's bowling as the Rajasthan Royals' acting captain had a hat-trick of sorts as he took the wicket of Kolkata Knight Riders' captain Ajinkya Rahane during the IPL 2025 match. The action was at hand when Parag bowled the 13th over and came up with a round-arm, undercut off-spin. The ball did not bounce much on pitching and came in the direction of Rahane, who attempted to sweep but managed to top-edge the ball into wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel's hands.

Commentating live on television during the game, Gavaskar, famous for his vibrant commentary, made a remark that drew his co-commentators' attention. He inquired from Alan Wilkins and Eoin Morgan if they had ever eaten a plate of mixed pakodas. Wilkins replied positively, and Gavaskar continued to tell Parag's bowling as being "a bit like mixed pakodas," comparing the kind of pakodas—potato, onion, and capsicum—to describe how unpredictable Parag's bowling is with a combination of various deliveries. Wilkins loved the analogy and said he never heard such an explanation before.

In spite of the light-hearted commentary, Parag's work as a captain in the game did not wind up on a positive note. Rajasthan Royals had a close match against Kolkata Knight Riders, and Parag scored an incredible knock of 95 runs from 45 balls with eight sixes and six fours. Rajasthan was short of the mark by two runs. Rajasthan were chasing 207 runs and were in a comfortable position having 52 runs to get from 30 balls with Parag and Shubham Dubey remaining at the crease. However, Parag's dismissal in the 18th over changed the course of events in Kolkata's favor, and though Dubey tried his level best, Rajasthan lost by a single run.

Looking back on his performance, Parag stated that he was disappointed that he could not get the game across the line. He acknowledged that he had overestimated the situation and should have got the game through. He believed that the team could have looked for better options in the last six overs to get over the line. Parag added that Kolkata was supposed to score some 120 or 130 runs at some stage, and he felt the spinners played well. He did admit that his team had failed to curb Kolkata's run, and that the game lay in Rajasthan's favour before momentum switched.

Taking the bowling side of the game into consideration, Parag conceded that he might have utilized his bowlers better, particularly against Andre Russell, who played a fireworks-like innings, scoring 57 runs off 25 balls. Parag clarified that he did not want to use his bowlers consecutively, but looking back, he believed he could have made different choices. He congratulated Russell for his explosive hitting and pointed out that the ground of Eden Gardens is famous for sixes. Parag realized he was supposed to be clinical as a captain and in bowing selections but took full ownership of the result.

During the post-match interview, Parag reflected on how important it is to be perfect and clinical in those close situations. He admitted that there were errors, and as a captain, he believed the team could have been more consistent towards the end of the match. He was hurt by the loss, and he understood that even minute errors can prove to be very costly in close games.

Parag's bowling, like his batting, is unpredictable and full of surprises. Though Gavaskar's tongue-in-cheek analogy with mixed pakodas may appear to be light-hearted, it captures the variety and unpredictability in Parag's cricketing style. Whether it is a quirky ball or an unexpected twist in the game, Riyan Parag's cricket keeps one guessing.

This IPL 2025 game was a reminder of how close cricket is to both winning and losing. Parag's sincere comments and his recognition of the things he needed to improve on indicate that he is a mature player and captain. Though Rajasthan Royals didn't win, the game was an exhilarating piece of cricket, with instances of brilliance by both teams.