'I’m really excited and proud of him' - Shane Bond praises Riyan Parag for exceptional season following persistent criticism

Despite facing their fourth consecutive loss, the Rajasthan Royals would be happy with Riyan Parag's form as he displayed maturity and composure, scoring a valuable 48 runs off 34 balls. His innings helped rejuvenate the team's batting effort, contributing significantly to RR's total of 144/9 against the Punjab Kings in Match 65 of IPL 2024.

Interestingly, across his five IPL seasons, Riyan Parag had never reached the 200-run mark in any campaign. However, in his innings against PBKS, he went beyond the 500-run milestone, emerging as the leading run-scorer for his team, eclipsing skipper Sanju Samson for the time being.

Former Kiwi cricketer and current assistant coach and fast-bowling mentor of RR, Shane Bond, in the post-match press conference, praised Riyan's abilities and expressed his excitement and satisfaction with his performances. Bond acknowledged the persistent criticism Riyan had faced in recent years and credited him for successfully adjusting to the No. 4 position this season, despite primarily playing in the middle and lower-middle order in previous seasons.

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“He’s rolled on this season for us and just lets a quality, he’s a quality player there’s no dount about him. I’m really excited for him and proud of him the way he has played so far. I think the team is super excited for him. He’s borne the brunt of some criticism over the last few years in terms of performances and so to put that to the side and come out the way he’s played this season at the number four spot, real credit to him for the work he’s put in,” stated Bond in the post-match conference post the PBKS-RR game.

It just takes some time when you’re young: Bond on Riyan

Further, Bond reiterated Riyan's astonishing season so far. Having joined RR at a young and tender age of 17, Riyan was for a long time positioned in the lower middle-order, where it's considerably tough to adjust and get the eye in, in a short span of time and deliveries before teeing off. Bond highlighted Riyan's sensational form this season, recalling his journey from a young recruit to an integral member of the RR setup.

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Despite facing the challenges of batting in the lower middle-order, Riyan has demonstrated his ability to thrive under pressure and deliver consistent performances this season. Bond praised his performances in recent matches in domestic cricket in this cricketing season, particulary in the 20-over format, alluding to a phenomenal Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2023, where he ended up amassing 510 runs in just 10 innings.

“Riyan has had an amazing season, hasn't he! His promotion to No. 4 has really suited him. He’s had a number of years batting in a position that was pretty tough down the order and people forget how young he is. It just takes some time when you’re young. Obviously saw, how well he played in domestic cricket and this season particularly in T20s," exclaimed Bond.