Mumbai, Mar 31 (UNI) Rajasthan Royals' stand-in captain Riyan Parag has been fined Rs12 lakh for maintaining a slow over-rate during the 11th match of the IPL 2025 against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati.
The penalty was imposed under Article 2.22 of the IPL's Code of Conduct, which pertains to minimum over-rate offences. This was RR's first such violation of the season.
Despite the fine, Rajasthan registered their first victory of IPL 2025, edging past CSK by six runs in a closely contested encounter. The match saw crucial performances from Wanindu Hasaranga, who picked up four wickets, and Nitish Rana, who scored a magnificent 81 runs.
Meanwhile, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming addressed concerns over MS Dhoni’s batting position in the ongoing season. The former captain, now 43, has been batting lower down the order, featuring at positions seven and nine in recent matches. Fleming explained that the move balances Dhoni’s physical condition and the team’s tactical requirements while underlining his continued importance as a leader and wicketkeeper.
Elsewhere, Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya has urged his team's batting lineup to step up following back-to-back losses. Despite boasting a formidable batting order featuring Suryakumar Yadav, Rohit Sharma, and Tilak Varma, Mumbai posted below-par totals of 155 and 160 in defeats to CSK and Gujarat Titans.
Pandya stressed the need for the batting unit to take greater responsibility ahead of their upcoming match against Kolkata Knight Riders.
In another IPL 2025 fixture, veteran stars Mitchell Starc and Faf du Plessis guided Delhi Capitals to a commanding seven-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad. Starc recorded his first IPL five-wicket haul with figures of 5/35, while du Plessis played a quickfire innings, scoring 50 off 27 balls. Their performances highlighted the continued impact of experienced players in the tournament.
UNI BDN BM