One of the top teams to make the IPL 2023 playoffs is the Rajasthan Royals. Jos Buttler, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Sanju Samson make up the team’s top order, and they are all in fine shape. Riyan Parag, on the other hand, has so far failed to make an impression this season. Nearly 90% of the time, Riyan Parag is included in the Rajasthan Royals’ starting lineup. In IPL 2023 thus far, Riyan Parag has had difficulty making an impression. The all-rounder has so far appeared in five games for the Rajasthan Royals (RR), scoring 54 runs with a 112.50 strike rate. Although he is the team’s finisher, his strike rate has not been up to par.
Even his highest score and batting average are not as outstanding. In 48 balls, Parag has scored 54 runs, for an average of 13.5. He finished the competition with a 20. Sanju Samson, the captain, has yet to use his right-arm leg spin in any of the games.
In the Rajasthan Royals’ game last night against the Lucknow Super Giants, Riyan Parag had the chance to become a hero. After 15.1 overs, the team’s score was 104/4 when he entered the batting order at position number six. The circumstances called for a finisher perfectly, as RR needed 51 runs to win off of 4.5 overs.
After the poor performance against the Lucknow Super Giants, he is probably going to be let go by the team. Following that, here is a list of three players who can join the team in Riyan Parag’s place:
1) Akash Vashist
Prior to the IPL 2023 season, Akash Vashist joined the Rajasthan Royals team. At the IPL 2023 auction, the Jaipur-based franchise purchased him for 20 lakhs. Vashist has never participated in the IPL, although he had a strong performance when representing Himachal Pradesh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2022–23.
With 216 runs, Vashist led his squad in runs scored. His scoring rate was 163.63, and his average was 54. He can be a good Riyan Parag substitute because he bowls left-arm spin and bats in the middle of the order.
2) Abdul Bazith
Another uncapped all-rounder on the Rajasthan Royals 2023 IPL roster is Abdul Bazith. Only last year did Bazith make his List-A and T20 debuts. He represents Kerala in domestic cricket.
His strike rate is most likely one of the factors that led to the Rajasthan Royals signing him. Bazith has scored 109 runs with a strike rate of 149.31 thus far in his brief domestic career. He also bowls off-spin, making him an intriguing addition to the RR starting XI.
3) Donovan Ferreira
While competing for the Jo’burg Super Kings (JSK) in SA20 earlier this year, Donovan Ferreira made his T20 cricket debut. For JSK, Ferreira ended up being the game-winner. His powerful bowling and batting contributed significantly to the team’s victory.
Ferreira might have started for RR’s starting XI, but because he is an international player, the team management has been unable to include him. Ferreira might perhaps be chosen by RR above Jason Holder, with an Indian fast bowler serving as the impact player.
To fit Ferreira in place of Riyan Parag, RR will need to make a number of adjustments. It will be intriguing to watch if Ferreira is selected for the team.