Riyan Parag, determined to repay Rajasthan Royals’ trust, recently opened up about the criticism he has faced in the past years. Despite his consistent performances in domestic cricket, Parag struggled to make a significant impact in the IPL. However, Rajasthan Royals continued to show faith in him, promoting him to the crucial number 4 spot in their lineup for the season’s RR vs LSG opening match.
This move proved fruitful as Parag showcased his potential with a brilliant 43-run knock against Lucknow Super Giants. His innings, comprising three sixes and a four, demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure. Reflecting on his journey and the scrutiny he has faced, Parag emphasized his unique character and his indifference to external opinions.
In a video posted by IPL on its social media accounts, Parag stated, “It’s tough to support someone like me. I am a different character, I do things a different way. I couldn’t care less to be honest, if I think I am happy in my mind, if I think I’ve prepared well and given myself the best shot to go out there and perform, I am happy.”
Parag’s impressive form in domestic cricket further highlights his talent and potential. In the 2023 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he emerged as the leading run-scorer with 510 runs in 10 matches at an astonishing average of 85.00.
Additionally, in the Ranji Trophy 2023-24, Parag accumulated 378 runs in six innings at an average of 75.6, including two centuries and a fifty. His best score of 155 underscores his capability to excel at the highest level.
Despite the external chatter and opinions surrounding him, Parag remains focused on his game. He acknowledged the existence of varying opinions but stressed the importance of not letting them affect his performance.
“There are a lot of opinions about me, a lot of chat about me. But when I play domestic cricket, I don’t listen to them,” Parag concluded.
