“At Some Point, You’ll Have To Take Me, Right?”: Riyan Parag Eyes Spot in Indian Cricket Team

May 30, 2024 0 921

Riyan Parag, following a breakout IPL season with Rajasthan Royals, expressed his confidence in eventually representing India.

Young cricketer Riyan Parag is brimming with confidence after a stellar season with the Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2024. The 22-year-old batter amassed an impressive 573 runs at an average of 52.09 and a strike rate of nearly 150, showcasing his potential.

Parag’s belief in himself was evident in a recent interaction with the media. “At some point, you’ll have to take me, right? So that is my belief; I’m going to play for India,” he declared in a recent interview with PTI. He emphasised that this confidence came from a long-held dream, nurtured with his father since he began playing cricket at the age of 10.

While the specific timing of his India debut remains uncertain, Parag’s focus seemed clear: to earn a place in the national team. “Whether it’s the next tour, whether it’s a tour in six months, whether it’s a tour in one year… I don’t really put my thought behind when I should play,” he stated, acknowledging that selection decisions lie with others.

Prior to this IPL season, Riyan Parag had not crossed the 200-run mark in any of his previous five seasons. A crucial turning point came with his promotion to the number 4 batting position, a familiar spot from his state team, Assam. This shift in batting order allowed him to thrive.

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“What you saw this year in the IPL is how I play domestic cricket. I take the responsibility, the expectations, and the burden upon myself to deliver, and that’s when I perform best,” Parag explained.

He acknowledged that struggling with pressure in previous seasons had hindered his performance. This year, focusing on his strengths and playing in his preferred position proved to be a winning formula.

Despite a strong start, the Rajasthan Royals’ season ended on a disappointing note with a loss in the eliminator. Reflecting on this, Parag said, “I’m still dealing with it. It was tough.” Lastly, he acknowledged the calibre of competition in the IPL. “There are world-class sides and players, and you can’t always win,” concluded Parag.