'If I could play so well in domestic cricket, why couldn’t I do the same here?' - Riyan Parag after match-winning knock against DC

Rajasthan Royals recorded their second win of the IPL 2024, beating Delhi Capitals by 12 runs at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Thursday. Chasing 186 for victory, DC were restricted to 173/5 in their 20 overs. IPL expert Parthiv Patel analysed RR batter Riyan Parag’s unbeaten 84. Parag also spoke exclusively on ‘Match Centre Live’. Excerpts:

Riyan Parag spoke exclusively to JioCinema on his preparations: My preparation was good and I had minimal pressure on me. If I could play so well in domestic cricket, why couldn’t I do the same here? I went to Nagpur, worked with Zubin sir, practiced a lot, and now I am seeing the results. So I am very happy.

Riyan Parag on being promoted to No. 4: During the Ranji Trophy, I had found out from the leadership group that Devdutt Padikkal would be traded for Avesh Khan and that I would be batting at No. 4. I enjoy it. As today’s situation played out, it didn’t feel unfamiliar to me. When I play for Assam, I face similar situations. I can judge bowlers better, where to hit the ball, and how hard to hit the ball, so that’s helped me a lot.

Riyan Parag on his 25-run final over- When I was practicing in Nagpur with Zubin sir, we faced sidearm bowlers who bowled at over 150km/hr daily. Practicing with them from 20 yards instead of 22 yards, pulling the ball, and digging out yorkers was routine. Playing there for four to five hours for five to six days, I think I developed muscle memory. In the match, it didn’t feel like Anrich Nortje or Khaleel Ahmed is bowling. I focused on the ball and believed in my practice, and that helped my execution.

Parthiv Patel spoke on Parag’s knock: He started hitting sixes towards the end of his innings. Early on, he scored 24 runs off 24 deliveries. I think it was important that he played the game according to the situation and he did it well. Once he was settled, we saw big shots from his bat. I have to commend Ashwin for taking some of the pressure off which allowed Parag to play a long innings. The most important thing is that after you’ve scored so many runs in domestic cricket, you get the belief that, ‘If I take my time, no matter who the bowler is, I can score runs’.

Even if it is someone like Nortje bowling in excess of 150 km/h. This is because you have the power and we’ve seen that in domestic cricket. It was good to see him deliver on the big stage. He has a lot of promise, Rajasthan Royals also believed in him, and today, he played an excellent innings.