Rajasthan Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara singled out Shubham Dubey for his composure and game sense after the left-hander delivered a match-winning cameo as an impact player against Punjab Kings at the PCA New International Stadium. With Rajasthan chasing a steep target of 223, the pressure was always building as the required run rate climbed quickly. Dubey, however, steadied the chase and then accelerated at the right moments alongside Donovan Ferreira, forging an unbeaten 77-run partnership off just 32 balls. That finishing burst helped the Royals complete the chase in 19.2 overs, and it also meant Punjab Kings suffered their first defeat of the season.
Speaking after the match, Sangakkara explained why Dubey’s role mattered so much. “I thought Dubey, coming in as an impact player—it’s one of the hardest things to do because you don’t know if you’re playing. So mentally, he is exceptionally skilled to be able to keep that focus and go out there and bring the game to us. He came in at a tough position,” he said. Sangakkara also pointed to how momentum had swung back when needed. “Riyan Parag’s small innings was exactly what we needed to bring the momentum back. So it was a collective effort,” he added.
Earlier in the chase, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi made an immediate statement by striking 43 off 16 balls, giving Rajasthan a springy start at a time when innings shape mattered. Yashasvi Jaiswal then added a steady 51, helping keep the chase on track despite the target’s magnitude. A brief dip followed as Yuzvendra Chahal struck, but Rajasthan did not lose their grip on the contest, and once the finishers were introduced, the game turned decisively in their favour.
Sangakkara further highlighted the depth of Rajasthan’s batting options, stressing that the attention should not be confined to one name. “I know the focus is a lot on Vaibhav, and I know why—because he’s an incredible player and amazing to watch. But at the same time, when I look at my side and run through my batters, there’s Vaibhav, Dhruv Jurel, Yash, Riyan, Donovan Ferreira, Dubey, Ravindra Jadeja, and Dasun Shanaka today—they’re all top players,” he said.
Punjab Kings had set the stage with a demanding 222/4, built on Marcus Stoinis’ unbeaten 62 off 22 balls. Prabhsimran Singh struck 59, while Shreyas Iyer contributed 30, taking Punjab to a total that looked imposing on paper. Yet Rajasthan’s fearless finishing ensured that the big score did not translate into victory, handing Punjab their first setback of the campaign.
