After overcoming online criticism, Riyan Parag’s strong IPL season earned him a call-up to the Indian team.
Speaking ahead of his international debut, Riyan Parag expressed his delight at being on the cusp of fulfilling his lifelong dream of playing for India. He acknowledged that while the IPL is a prestigious tournament, it should not be the ultimate goal for aspiring cricketers. He emphasised the importance of consistency and performing at the international level.
“Playing for India has always been my biggest dream, and I’m so close to achieving it. The IPL is great, but you can have a good season and then disappear. Playing for India sets a clear path for young players, not just for me but for everyone back home in Assam. They can see that someone from their region can make it to the highest level,” Parag told ESPNcricinfo.
Riyan Parag also opened up about the online criticism he faced for his past performances and some off-field remarks. He admitted that the trolling was difficult to deal with but found motivation in proving his doubters wrong.
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“It wasn’t easy dealing with the trolling. I reflected a lot last year and realised I had to make a comeback. Maybe my preparation wasn’t perfect, but I always gave it my all. Last year, they said I wasn’t good enough for the IPL, and now they want me on the Indian team. It just shows how quickly things can change,” concluded Parag.
Riyan Parag, the young batter from Assam, has silenced his critics with a breakout season in the IPL. After enduring online abuse for his previous performances, Parag amassed 573 runs in 16 matches for the Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2024, finishing third in the race for the Orange Cap. Notably, this impressive performance earned him a maiden call-up to the Indian team for the upcoming series against Zimbabwe.
Last Updated on July 2, 2024
