IPL 2026: 'Handing the ball to Ferreira was a suicidal move', Gavaskar unimpressed by Parag's captaincy

Sunil Gavaskar and Riyan Parag (File Pic)

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 saw Rajasthan Royals (RR) lose for the third time in a row on Sunday after they failed to defend 193 runs against Delhi Capitals (DC). Delhi Capitals chased down the target with 5 wickets in hand, leaving RR's qualification chances hanging in the balance.

With DC still needing 35 runs in the last three overs, Rajasthan Royals skipper Riyan Parag turned to Ferreira to bowl the crucial 18th over. He conceded 16 runs, including two sixes in that over, which made the equation easier for the hosts.

Speaking on Star Sports 'Amul Cricket Live', the former India captain and legend Sunil Gavaskar called the 18th over by Donovan Ferreira 'a suicidal move'.

"Handing the ball to Donovan Ferreira to bowl the 18th over was a suicidal move. You are bringing a slow bowler on a pitch offering him no help. He was just bowling in the slot. It was his first over of the match. He had also scored a golden duck with the bat. Sometimes you must look at where the luck is going that day," said Gavaskar.

"If he had scored 40 or 50 runs and was high on confidence, giving him an over would have made sense. But he got out first ball, and you still gave him the ball. He went for 16 runs in that over, and the match was gone. Done and dusted. Riyan Parag could have handed the ball to a proper bowler, a regular bowler. Giving the ball to Donovan Ferreira was a suicidal decision by Rajasthan Royals," he added.

Gavaskar impressed by Starc's spell

Mitchell Starc was the star with the ball for DC as his brilliant bowling dragged the hosts back into the game. Starc took three wickets in the 15th over, restricting the RR run-flow. Gavaskar was full of praise for the Australian star as his spell dragged DC back in the game.

"Starc didn't have a great powerplay. But when he came back at the death, he bowled with great control. He didn't let the Rajasthan batters free their arms. He choked the runs and picked up crucial wickets. Those wickets turned the match in Delhi's favour. Rajasthan looked set to cross 200 easily, but Starc had other plans. They paid the price for underestimating him. His three-wicket over pushed Rajasthan all the way back," he concluded.

(With ANI Input)