In a pivotal moment during the IPL 2025 match between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on May 18, RR's Riyan Parag was clean bowled by PBKS spinner Harpreet Brar in the 14th over of the innings. Chasing a formidable target of 220 runs, Parag's dismissal added pressure to RR's pursuit.
Brar's delivery deceived Parag, leading to the ball crashing into the stumps. Following the wicket, Brar celebrated with his signature thigh-slap gesture, a nod to his Punjabi roots, which has become a hallmark of his on-field celebrations.
Parag had managed to stabilize the innings before his dismissal. His wicket at a crucial juncture shifted the momentum in favor of PBKS, who were looking to secure their position in the playoffs.
Punjab Kings' captain Shreyas Iyer opts to bat first after winning the toss
Meanwhile, the toss at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium went in favour of the Punjab Kings, with Shreyas Iyer opting to bat first. A win for Punjab will help them qualify for the playoffs, while the Royals are already out of contention.
Rajasthan Royals XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Sanju Samson (c & wk), Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel, Wanindu Hasaranga, Kwena Maphaka, Tushar Deshpande, Akash Madhwal, Fazalhaq Farooqi.
Punjab Kings XI: Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Shashank Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Mitchell Owen, Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.
