'We forget that he's a youngster sometimes' - Ravi Ashwin backs Riyan Parag to bring laurels in future

In a stellar display of talent in the domestic cricket arena, young Assamese batter Riyan Parag has been earning accolades, with veteran all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin commending his recent exploits. Parag's remarkable feat of seven consecutive half-centuries in T20s during the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy has turned heads. His sensational knock in the Ranji Trophy, where he blasted 155 runs from 87 balls, included 12 sixes, marking the second-fastest century in the tournament's history.

Despite such stellar performances, he has faced criticism for his Indian Premier League (IPL) outings. Ashwin, however, rebuffed the naysayers, emphasising that Parag, being a young player, is continually improving. The Ranji Trophy's fastest century record is held by Rishabh Pant, achieved in 48 balls against Jharkhand in 2016. Ashwin's support underscores the potential and growth of the promising cricketer.

"Riyan Parag is frequently criticised as an overhyped cricketer after just seeing his IPL performances. We forget that he's a youngster sometimes. He is still a young player who is getting better. Parag made useful contributions in the Syed Mushtaq Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy and slammed 155 for Assam against Chattisgarh in the first match of the ongoing Ranji Trophy season," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

"He scored 155 off 87 balls. He didn't play for the sake of playing T20 cricket. He was pushed into that situation. All the batters on the other end fell like flies, and he took charge of his own hands and played such a knock," he added.

Riyan Parag’s IPL journey with lesser known feats

In his IPL journey spanning 54 matches, the 22-year-old showcased his limited abilities, amassing 600 runs with an average of 16.22 and notching up two half-centuries. His highest IPL score, an unbeaten 56 runs, stands as a testament to his potential as a batter.

At a youthful 17 years and 175 days, the Assam batter etched his name in history as the youngest player to achieve an IPL fifty as he surpassed Prithvi Shaw and Sanju Samson's joint record at 18 years and 169 days. Despite being released, Rajasthan Royals secured his services again at the 2022 IPL Auction, affirming the franchise's belief in his potential.