Ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) tournament, Rajasthan Royals (RR) all-rounder Riyan Parag revealed his favorite batting position. Parag was retained for ₹3.8 crores by RR after a less-than-stellar performance in IPL 2022, where he recorded 183 runs in 17 games with an average of 16.64. Despite this, Royals ended up as runners-up in the tournament. When speaking to PTI, Riyan Parag noted that he prefers to bat at No.4, but he is open to playing wherever the team requires him to.
“If they (RR) were to ask me where I want to bat, I would say No. 4. But, then, like always, I am open to bat wherever the team needs me and wherever they think I fit the best. It is a team game; whichever way the combinations match up, I am happy to contribute.”
In the 47 IPL games so far, Riyan Parag has shown himself to be a dependable finisher, notching up 522 runs and four wickets. Recently, he scored 253 runs in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy and is looking to continue his strong performance in the IPL.
“I had a very good domestic season and, in the buildup for the IPL, we have had a few camps in Jaipur. Everyone has looked in good touch with both the bat and the ball. I do not think the confidence part has changed; I have always been confident.”
“The performances have come through, so that adds a different dimension to the mental state that any player has. When you are confident and have performances to back you, it gives an extra oomph of self-confidence,” he added.
“I feel there has been a big improvement since I have bowled a lot of overs this season. I have bowled more than 350 overs. I put in a lot of work in my bowling so that I am able to chip in whenever my team needs me”
“Going into that role, I always look up to him..” – Riyan Parag
No one is able to match MS Dhoni, captain of the Chennai Super Kings when it comes to bringing games to their conclusion. Riyan Parag said:
“I have been doing the finishing role for the last three years now. There is just one name that comes to my mind, which I also have said before, MS Dhoni. I do not think anyone else has mastered that art. Going into that role, I always look up to him, how he finishes games or how he takes the game deep.”
“Earlier, it did affect me and it hampered my performance. But now I am pretty straight on what I want to do on social media. I have a lot of strong opinions; I just like to state them and I am not waiting for anyone else to reply or give their opinions.”
Riyan Parag will be seen in action on Sunday, April 2nd, against SRH.