Riyan Parag was given out controversially during the IPL 2025 match between GT and RR in Ahmedabad on Wednesday, which drew a reaction of surprise from the Indian all-rounder.
Cashing 218, Rajasthan got off to a poor start, losing Yashasvi Jaiswal and Nitish Rana by the third over, with the score reading 12. Riyan Parag came out to bat at No.4, facing a red-hot Mohammed Siraj. He took the attack to the GT seamers straightaway, playing a helicopter shot for six off his third delivery. He then hit two more sixes, both over long-on: off Siraj in the fifth over, and off Prasidh Krishna in the sixth.
After the powerplay, RR had recovered to 57-2, when Kulwant Khejroliya, playing his first match of the season, came into the attack. Off the fourth delivery, he got Parag to play an attempted slice behind the wicket off a wide yorker, which Riyan seemingly missed. GT went up in appeal for a caught-behind and he was given out.
Riyan instantly reviewed the call, and the replays showed the bat hitting the ground. The ultra-edge spike did not look synchronised with the ball passing the bat, indicating that it might have missed the bat altogether and the loud sound could have been of the bat hitting the turf. However, the TV umpire was quick to pass his judgement and stick with the on-field call, as Parag was dismissed for 26 off 14.
Match 23, Gujarat Titans vs Rajasthan Royals
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How did Parag react to his dismissal?
As the replays were being shown on the big screen, Riyan seemed to indicate that there was a clear gap between the bat and the ball. But when the TV umpire conveyed his decision of out, Riyan was surprised and engaged in a discussion with the umpires, possibly arguing about the origin of the spike that was visible on ultra-edge.
The umpires eventually had to ask him to leave as Riyan made the long walk back.
Will Parag be fined for his reaction?
While Riyan's interaction with the umpires seemed polite, devoid of any aggression, he did stay on for a few seconds before reluctantly leaving the field.
Article 2.8 of IPL's code of conduct lists variations reactions that would be considered as "showing dissent at an umpire's decision". Among them, two clauses are relevant here: (b) and (h).
Clause (b) includes "an obvious delay in resuming play or leaving the wicket" while (h) includes "arguing or entering into a prolonged discussion with the Umpire about his/her decision".
The article also states that "while assessing the seriousness of the breach", the following considerations will have to be made: "(i) whether the conduct contains an element of anger or abuse which is directed at the Umpire or the Umpire’s decision; (ii) whether there is excessive delay in resuming play or leaving the wicket; or (iii) whether there is persistent re-reference to the incident over time."
Riyan did hold up play for a while, though there's no specification on how long is long enough to warrant a sanction.
If he is found guilty, it could either be for a Level 1 or Level 2 offence. For a Level 1 offence, he can get either one or two demerit points to go with a fine of up to 25 per cent, or 50 per cent of his match fees. A Level 2 offence would bring significantly severe repercussions, which could include a fine between 50-100 per cent of the match fees to go with either one suspension point (three demerit points) or two (four demerit points).
Realistically, Riyan should at worst be booked for a Level 1 offence. So far, LSG's Digvesh Rathi has been fined twice for his notebook celebrations, while Ishant Sharma and Glenn Maxwell have been fined once each. You can find the full list of IPL 2025 code of conduct breaches here.
