Riyan Parag 144* Off 64 in Rajasthan Royals' IPL 2025 Practice Match

Riyan Parag’s Red-Hot Form: 144* Off 64 in Rajasthan Royals’ Practice Match Before IPL 2025

As the excitement for IPL 2025 builds up, Rajasthan Royals’ all-rounder Riyan Parag has sent a strong warning to all teams with a breathtaking knock of 144 runs off just 64 balls in an intra-squad practice match. Smashing 10 sixes and 16 fours, Parag showcased his batting prowess and set the perfect tone for the upcoming season.

A Statement Knock from Riyan Parag Before IPL 2025

With the new season just around the corner, teams are wrapping up their final preparations, and Rajasthan Royals (RR) are no exception. During a practice game, Parag lit up the field with a fearless display of power hitting, underlining his importance in RR’s middle order.

The Rajasthan Royals social media team shared a clip of Parag’s fiery innings on their official X (formerly Twitter) handle, where teammates, including captain Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal, were seen cheering for the star batter. This innings is a massive confidence booster for both Parag and RR, as they look to challenge for their second IPL title after their inaugural win in 2008.

How Riyan Parag’s Knock Compares to IPL Records

Had this incredible knock taken place in an official IPL match, it would have rewritten history books. KL Rahul currently holds the record for the highest individual score by an Indian in IPL history, scoring an unbeaten 132 for Punjab Kings (formerly Kings XI Punjab) against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2020. Parag’s 144* would have easily surpassed that mark, making it the highest score by an Indian batter in IPL.

While this was just a practice match, it certainly highlights Parag’s ability to play long and destructive innings. His knock serves as a reminder of his potential to be a game-changer for Rajasthan Royals this season.

Riyan Parag’s IPL 2024 Performance and Injury Comeback

Parag’s resurgence has been impressive. In IPL 2024, he was RR’s top performer at No.4, scoring 573 runs in 16 matches at a strike rate of 149.22. He smashed four fifties, his highest being 84 against Delhi Capitals*, breaking Shane Watson’s record for the most runs by a Rajasthan batter at that position.

However, after a phenomenal IPL season, he suffered a shoulder injury, keeping him out of competitive cricket for nearly three months, including India's T20I series against South Africa. He made his comeback in a Ranji Trophy match for Assam, but this practice game serves as the biggest sign yet that Parag is back in full form.

Rajasthan Royals’ IPL 2025 Campaign and Squad Strength

RR will kick off their IPL 2025 campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on March 23 in Hyderabad. With their squad boasting a mix of experience and young talent, they will be aiming to end their long wait for a second IPL trophy.

RR’s retained players and new acquisitions give them one of the most balanced squads in IPL 2025:

• Batting Core: Sanju Samson (Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel

• All-Rounders: Riyan Parag, Wanindu Hasaranga, Nitish Rana, Kunal Rathore

• Pace Attack: Jofra Archer, Sandeep Sharma, Akash Madhwal, Tushar Deshpande

• Spin Options: Maheesh Theekshana, Kumar Kartikeya Singh

With a power-packed batting lineup and a mix of lethal pacers and spinners, Rajasthan Royals will rely on their balanced squad to challenge for the IPL title.

Riyan Parag’s Growing Influence in Rajasthan Royals’ Batting Lineup

Parag’s batting position at No.4 proved to be a masterstroke for RR last season, and this new innings further cements his role as a key middle-order batter. RR coach Kumar Sangakkara has previously spoken about his belief in Parag’s potential, and this practice game knock only strengthens that faith.

If Parag can carry this form into IPL 2025, he could emerge as one of the standout batters of the tournament. His ability to accelerate in the middle overs, clear the boundaries with ease, and hold the innings together makes him a vital cog in Rajasthan Royals’ setup.

What’s Next for Riyan Parag and Rajasthan Royals

With his performance in the practice game setting the tone, all eyes will be on RR’s season opener against SRH to see if Parag can replicate this form on the big stage. If he manages to convert this kind of innings into a match-winning effort in IPL 2025, Rajasthan Royals will have a strong case for a deep run into the playoffs.

For now, Riyan Parag’s explosive knock has raised expectations, not just among RR fans but across the IPL fraternity. Will this be the season where he finally establishes himself as one of the most dominant batters in the league? The countdown to IPL 2025 has just become even more exciting!