‘In the next two years, Riyan Parag is playing for India’ - Irfan Pathan predicts after batter's sensational start to IPL 2024

Rajasthan Royals all-rounder Riyan Parag has been showcasing his talent in the ongoing edition of the IPL (Indian Premier League) 2024. The youngster impressed with his knock in Royals’ first game of the season and was the star of the show in their recent clash against Delhi Capitals. 

Taking on Delhi Capitals, Parag managed to score 84* runs in 45 deliveries and helped his side post a total of 185 runs in the first innings of the clash. His knock certainly impressed former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan. 

Taking to X (formerly known as Twitter), Pathan came forward and opined that in a few years, Parag could be seen playing for the Indian team. Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of performing well in domestic cricket, as it has been Parag’s stellar performance in the domestic circuit that has enabled him to perform in the IPL. “In the next two years, Riyan Parag is playing for India,” Pathan tweeted. 

“Don’t ever take Indian domestic cricket lightly; it’s for your own good. Look at Riyan Parag. He is performing well in the IPL straightaway cos he made tons of runs there,” Pathan said.

Royals’ all-round show helped them breeze past Delhi Capitals

Speaking of the game, Royals and Capitals faced off at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Thursday, March 28. Royals found themselves in a spot of bother batting in the first innings as the top-order toppled. 

Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jos Buttler were sent packing for five and 11 runs, respectively. Sanju Samson added 15 runs on the board, with Parag scoring 84* runs alongside Ravichandran Ashwin, who added 29 runs on the board as Rajasthan posted a total of 185 runs in the first innings. 

As Delhi aimed to chase down the total, the side got off to a good start as openers David Warner and Mitchell Marsh scored 49 and 23 runs, respectively. Rishabh Pant scored 28 runs, with Tristan Stubbs adding 44* runs on the board. 

However, it was not enough to win them the game, as Delhi only managed to score 173 runs on the board in 20 overs, losing the game by 12 runs.

Also Read: There is something very special Riyan Parag can give to Indian cricket: Sanju Samson