Image Credit- BCCI
In the IPL 2024,
Riyan Parag is expected to receive a bigger role at No. 4 for the Rajasthan
Royals. His squad is appreciating his hard work in the background, his strong
domestic performance, and the advantages he brings as a “all-around
batter,” which he was unable to showcase while playing as a finisher.
Parag scored 78 runs in seven innings the previous season. His IPL 2022 total
was 183 in 14. He made 93 out of 10 in 2021. These are not impressive figures.
However, the Royals think they have seen enough of Parag to know that something
exceptional is about to happen.
“It was a
cricketing decision,” Royals’ director of cricket Kumar Sangakkara said of
Parag’s promotion in the batting order. “We looked at how he has performed
over the years. It’s a very difficult thing for someone like Riyan, who has an overall
game, just to always only get the toughest parts of the game where he has to
come in and up the run rate at the death.
“We all felt that he has a much more important role that he can play for
us. And the hard work that he did leading up to the season, all the runs he
scored at domestic cricket, all played a part in that decision.
“Riyan, and all
the players, of course, have to repay that faith. He’s off to a great start. He
just has to keep working on making sure he reads the game well and keep
trusting what he can do at No. 4. He’s good against pace and again so that
important position of four was ideally suited for him.”
With a 29-ball 43 to
start the IPL 2024 against the Lucknow Super Giants, Parag and Sanju Samson put
up a game-changing 93 runs off of 59 balls. Instead of trying to knock out the
bowlers right away, Parag positioned himself and launched an attack after he
was in position. It’s consistent with the part he performed in Assam. He has
scored a tonne of runs in the domestic season thanks to this role, particularly
in the white-ball formats.
“The biggest thing we’ve seen in Riyan is maturity,” Sangakkara said.
“Irrespective of the support we offer players, self-awareness of your
game, knowing what is good for you, how your lifestyle is both on and off the
field – all of that has changed in Riyan.
“We know
players have a variety of ambitions – IPL is one of them. He understands his
game more and taking on more responsibility has become non-negotiable to
him.”