Rajasthan Royals' stand-in skipper Riyan Parag shouldered the blame for their heartbreaking one-run loss to Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL 2025 clash, admitting that his misjudged batting strategy played a major role in the outcome. Despite smashing a 45-ball 95 that almost carried RR over the line in a steep 207-run chase, Parag felt he should have either finished the game himself or at least stayed till the final over. "I was planning to stay till the last 2 overs, but unfortunately I got out in the 18th over. It was a miscalculation from my side. I think we could have found better options in the last 6 overs. Maybe other bowling options. No one to complain but ourselves, we should have finished it," Parag said during the post-match presentation. Parag, who looked visibly dejected, added that the team missed out on key moments both with the bat and in the field. The loss added to RR’s string of close finishes this season, many of which have not gone in their favour. He also confessed that “Feels off to give an interview (as the losing captain).” Also READ: Eden Gardens IPL Crowd Drop: Why Fans Are Skipping Matches Rinku’s run-out seals thriller for KKR The match went right down to the wire, with Rajasthan needing 22 runs off the final over bowled by Vaibhav Arora. Shubham Dubey brought the game to life with a flurry of big hits, including two sixes and a four, reducing the equation to three runs off the last ball. But just when it looked like RR might snatch a stunning win, a sharp throw from Rinku Singh resulted in Jofra Archer being run out while attempting a second run to tie the match. Also READ: Riyan Parag Abuses Jaiswal During Heated IPL 2025 Match Incident Parag also acknowledged KKR’s key performers, singling out Andre Russell’s late blitz as a game-changer. “He (Russell) was 2 off 10 balls and the way he accelerated after that, it was great to watch. It’s a ground where sixes are hit. The wicket was a little tricky, so I had to pick my battles. I think I did it pretty well, until the time I got out.” Rajasthan Royals will now look to bounce back when they face Chennai Super Kings on May 12 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.