Pujara and Bishop Criticize Dravid and Samson’s Super Over Strategy After RR’s Defeat to DC

The nail-biting clash between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Delhi Capitals (DC) on April 16, 2025, in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 ended in dramatic fashion. RR lost to DC in a tense Super Over finish. While the game was a spectacle for fans, it also sparked a heated debate in the cricketing world. Notably, Cheteshwar Pujara and Ian Bishop expressed disappointment over RR’s strategic choices — particularly those made by head coach Rahul Dravid and captain Sanju Samson during the Super Over.

Both Pujara and Bishop questioned why star batter Riyan Parag and hard-hitter Shimron Hetmyer were overlooked. They also raised concerns about the decision to have Ravichandran Ashwin bowl instead of a frontline pacer. According to them, these decisions may have ultimately cost Rajastnewscircuit.inhan Royals the match.

RR vs DC: A Thrilling Encounter That Ended in Controversy

The match between RR and DC was a high-scoring thriller from the start. Rajasthan Royals, batting first, put up a competitive total of 187/6 on the board. This was thanks to a strong knock from Jos Buttler and a steady innings by Sanju Samson.

In response, Delhi Capitals matched the intensity. David Warner and Rishabh Pant led the charge with fluent batting performances. As a result, the game ended in a tie, pushing the contest into a rare Super Over.

In the Super Over, Rajasthan Royals batted first and sent out Ravichandran Ashwin and Sanju Samson. Surprisingly, fans were shocked, as power-hitters like Shimron Hetmyer and Riyan Parag — both known for their big-hitting abilities in pressure situations — remained on the bench. Consequently, RR managed to score just 11 runs.

Meanwhile, DC chased the target with ease, finishing the game with two balls to spare.

Pujara and Bishop Raise Concerns Over Super Over Choices

Former Indian Test specialist Cheteshwar Pujara, who is usually reserved in his commentary, didn’t hold back this time. During a post-match show on Cricbuzz, he said:

“I think Rana should have been there instead of Ashwin. You have players like Parag and Hetmyer who can clear the boundary easily. You need aggression in a Super Over, not defensive tactics.”

Similarly, Ian Bishop echoed those sentiments during a live broadcast on Star Sports, stating:

“I can’t understand the logic. You have two of the best finishers sitting in the dugout, and you send Ashwin? This is not a Test match. This is a T20 game — every ball matters. RR gave the game away tactically.”

Why Was Ravichandran Ashwin Sent in the Super Over?

According to sources close to the RR management, the decision to send Ashwin in the Super Over was based on match-ups and experience. Dravid and Samson reportedly believed that Ashwin’s ability to rotate the strike and his composure under pressure would be valuable.

However, this decision did not bear fruit. Ashwin failed to connect big shots, and RR could only manage a below-par score. In hindsight, this choice appeared overly cautious.

Moreover, former players and fans alike criticized the strategy as being out of sync with modern T20 tactics. In a format where momentum can shift within a single ball, aggressive players who can hit boundaries are often favored in Super Overs.

Riyan Parag and Hetmyer: The Ignored Finishers

Riyan Parag has been one of RR’s most improved players this season. With a strike rate of over 170 in IPL 2025 and multiple match-winning cameos, he seemed like an obvious choice for the Super Over. Likewise, Shimron Hetmyer, with his vast T20 experience, is known for his ability to hit sixes under pressure.

Notably, fans on social media were quick to react. Many used the hashtag #JusticeForParag to express their disappointment. One tweet read:

“You don’t leave Parag and Hetmyer out of a Super Over unless you’re asking to lose. Poor captaincy from Samson, poor call from Dravid.”

RR Coach Rahul Dravid Defends the Decision

Facing heavy criticism, Rahul Dravid addressed the media after the match. He defended the choice to send Ashwin, stating:

“We had a game plan. We thought the bowler would go for yorkers and Ashwin has the ability to play those well. It didn’t work this time, but we back our players and our decisions.”

When asked why Parag and Hetmyer were not selected, Dravid clarified:

“It was a close call. We considered all options, but in the moment, we felt Ashwin and Samson were the right pair.”

Still, critics were not convinced. Many believed the team’s leadership failed to read the situation properly.

Was This a Leadership Error?

Many pundits and former players have labeled this as a clear leadership mistake. Gautam Gambhir, speaking on an IPL panel discussion, said:

“In a pressure situation, you go with players who can finish games. That’s why you pay big money for them. Parag and Hetmyer should have been automatic picks.”

This isn’t the first time RR has been criticized for strategic blunders. Their campaign in recent seasons has often been marred by inconsistent leadership and questionable tactical decisions.

What This Means for RR’s Playoff Chances

With this loss, Rajasthan Royals have slipped to fourth place on the points table. Though they still have a solid chance of making it to the playoffs, such narrow defeats could come back to haunt them later in the season.

Furthermore, IPL is a game of fine margins. Strategic errors like these could be the difference between lifting the trophy or falling short.

Consequently, RR will need to reassess their game plans in high-pressure situations if they are to go deep in the tournament.

Fans and Analysts Want Accountability

Cricket analysts and RR fans are demanding greater accountability and transparency in decision-making. Several voices are calling for a rethink of the leadership strategy moving forward.

One fan’s comment on Reddit summarized the collective sentiment:

“You can’t keep making these kinds of mistakes and expect different results. Talent is not the issue — leadership is.”

Meanwhile, others pointed out that T20 cricket has evolved, and sticking to old-school thinking may not be the way forward.

Conclusion: A Lesson in T20 Strategy

Ultimately, the RR vs DC game was a thrilling reminder of why the IPL continues to be one of the most-watched sporting leagues in the world. However, it also offered a valuable lesson in the importance of sound strategy — especially in T20 cricket where every ball can be a game-changer.

Cheteshwar Pujara and Ian Bishop’s criticism wasn’t just emotional. Rather, it reflected a broader concern in modern-day cricket: that conservative approaches are no longer sufficient to win under pressure.

Whether RR learns from this mistake remains to be seen. For now, though, they must focus on their next match and work to rebuild confidence — both in the dressing room and among fans.

---

Outbound Link:
For live match updates, player statistics, and more expert opinions on IPL 2025, visit Cricbuzz.