In just 3 innings, Riyan has turned his critics into admirers: Wasim Jaffer

After a couple of poor seasons in the Indian Premier League, multiple reports stated that Rajasthan Royals might part ways with Riyan Parag ahead of IPL 2024. However, the 2008 champions kept their faith in the youngster, who in return has been sensational in the ongoing 17th edition of the tournament. In three matches so far, the Assam-born cricketer made 181 runs and with that, he is currently the joint-leading run-scorer of the tournament.

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Lauding him for his consistency, former cricketer Wasim Jaffer stated that in his just three innings, Parag has turned his critics into his admirers. Against Delhi Capitals, the 22-year-old made 84* and against Mumbai Indians, he made 54* runs and helped Rajasthan remain unbeaten in the season so far. Meanwhile, Jaffer added that hard work always pays off and mentioned that if he keeps up with the momentum, the cricketer can soon get into the national team.

“In just 3 inns, Riyan has turned his critics into admirers. Such a funny game. It does reward you if you keep working hard. No. 4 is actually his right spot. RR management should be praised for identifying that and backing him. Keep going, India call up not far away,” Jaffer wrote on his X account.

The goal is simple, watch the ball, hit the ball: Parag

Speaking about his goals for IPL 2024, Parag stated that he has simplified things this season and mentioned that he doesn’t think too much about the game. The youngster added that batting at number four has helped him as it is the same batting number at which he bats in domestic cricket. Parag also opened up about his training and added that he has trained very hard for this season.

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“Nothing has changed, just that I have simplified things. Before I would think about things too much, this year the goal is simple, watch the ball, hit the ball. It's a funny thing, I have said it before, this is the exact situation I go in to bat in domestic cricket. For 3-4 years I haven't performed well (in the IPL.) When the performances are not coming, you get back to the drawing board. I practised really hard, I have practised these kinds of scenarios,” Parag said in the post-match presentation after the game against MI.