Rajasthan emerged victorious over Delhi, securing their second triumph in the group stage of the Indian Premier League 2024. This consecutive win propelled Rajasthan to the second position on the points table. A standout performer in both matches, young talent Riyan Parag showcased his prowess with the bat, notching 43 runs in the initial encounter and an unbeaten 83 in the subsequent game.
Former England captain Eoin Morgan commended Parag’s growth, highlighting his ability to learn from past mistakes. Parag’s current tally of 127 runs in the ongoing IPL edition surpasses his previous season’s total by nearly 50 runs. Echoing Morgan’s sentiments, veteran player Robin Uthappa remarked on Parag’s shift from verbal prowess to batting prowess in the current season.
“He is still a very young man in cricketing terms. To strike as well as he has done… even though he has made mistakes over the years, he is proving that he is learning from those. It’s one thing saying hard work and dedication and discipline and various different things, but it has to present itself with opportunities,” expressed Eoin Morgan during a Jio Cinema interview following the RR vs DC match on Thursday, March 28.
Morgan further lauded the Rajasthan franchise for their unwavering support during Parag’s challenging phases. Despite facing criticism for inconsistent performances since his IPL debut in 2019, Parag’s resurgence in the current season under the guidance of captain Sanju Samson has been remarkable.
“When it comes to the backing and the clarity that Sanju Samson has given him at the beginning of the tournament, it says a lot. We know how IPL teams, particularly when it comes to the selection of final XI, they chop and change. But to come out before the season and make that statement, I think it’s been a great call,” Morgan elaborated.
Parag’s recent stellar performances follow a remarkable domestic series where he set a record by hitting six half-centuries in consecutive matches. Praised by fellow cricketer Suryakumar Yadav for his dedication and work ethic, Parag has evidently transformed into a formidable player.
“Met a guy at NCA a few weeks ago. He came with a slight niggle. Completely focused on his recovery and with great discipline, working on his skills. And I was not wrong to tell that to one of the coaches there ‘He is a changed guy’ RIYAN PARAG 2.0. Watch Out!” shared World No. 1 T20I batter, Suryakumar Yadav. Rajasthan Royals are set to face Mumbai Indians on April 1 in their next encounter.
