Riyan Parag Controversy Ignites Debate in IPL 2025 Match Between Gujarat Titans and Rajasthan Royals

The IPL 2025 encounter between Rajasthan Royals and Gujarat Titans had a surprise controversy moment with young RR batter Riyan Parag. The moment that has now gone viral occurred in the seventh over of the Royals' innings. Kulwant Khejroliya was the bowler who bowled a ball that resulted in a decision which raised a lot of controversy. The umpire had Parag out caught behind but Parag was not happy immediately. Without any delay he applied for the DRS despite the on-field decision looking quite clear to most viewers. What ensued was a replay which left fans and commentators alike confused.

The ultra-edge registered a spike when the ball went close to the bat. But his bat was also touching the ground at the same time. That made it difficult to identify whether the sound was from the ball or the bat rubbing against the pitch. Riyan Parag was also not persuaded by the third umpire's ultimate decision. He even had a brief altercation with the umpire before trudging back to the dressing room visibly annoyed. This was immediately a social media talking point. Some supporters thought Parag was unfortunate, others that the technology did function and the wicket was justified. The internet was totally split.

Prior to this contentious moment the game was already action-packed. Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson had won the toss and opted to bowl first at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Gujarat Titans began their innings with Shubman Gill and Sai Sudarshan. Things however did not go according to plan at the beginning as Gill got out cheaply in the third over after managing to score only two runs. In spite of that jolt Gujarat found momentum quickly.

Sai Sudarshan was in great form and played a great innings. He made 82 runs and steadied the innings for his team. The 50-run barrier was crossed in the sixth over and it was off a wide ball bowled by Sandeep Sharma. After Gill got out Jos Buttler walked in and supported Sudarshan well. The duo constructed a solid 80-run partnership off only 47 deliveries. Buttler made 36 before getting out in the 10th over by Maheesh Theekshana.

Then came Shahrukh Khan who also contributed more steam to Gujarat's innings. Together with Sudarshan he formed another strong partnership of 62 runs from only 34 balls. Shahrukh seemed threatening before he was eventually run out in the 16th over again by Theekshana. By now the Gujarat Titans were comfortably placed at 154 with many overs left to play.

At the end, Rahul Tewatia and Rashid Khan scored swift cameos to add to the total. Tewatia was unbeaten on 24 runs off a mere 12 balls while Rashid Khan scored 12 off just 4 balls. These death overs runs proved vital in helping Gujarat Titans achieve a big total of 217 for 6 off their 20 overs.

On the bowling side Rajasthan Royals also had their share of moments. Tushar Deshpande and Maheesh Theekshana both took two wickets each while Jofra Archer and Sandeep Sharma took one each. But despite all their efforts the Gujarat batsmen kept the scoreboard moving and did not let any bowler have their way for long.

Though Gujarat's batting effort was definitely a highlight it was the dismissal of Riyan Parag that took the spotlight. Fans and pundits are still debating whether it was the correct decision or an awful one. Such instances remind everyone that despite all the technology there will always be controversies in cricket. For the time being Riyan Parag will have to look elsewhere but the incident will probably remain fresh in everyone's mind for some time.

This game not only revealed excellent batting and clever bowling but also proved that one decision can turn out to be the most discussed thing in a big match. Out or not out was the debate about Riyan Parag's wicket and it has now become the largest news of the match.