Dale Steyn joked that he only remembers Riyan Parag's fancy celebrations.
Rajasthan Royals (RR) youngster Riyan Parag has failed to make an impact in the ongoing IPL 2021. With the highest score of 25, Riyan has scored only 84 runs in nine innings this season.
Ex-cricketer Dale Steyn and Aakash Chopra don't think the Royals are helping themselves by backing Parag despite a poor run in this edition of IPL. Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Chopra said RR should bring Shivam Dube in the playing XI over the Assam cricketer.
"Why don't they go to Shivam Dube, man? Riyan Parag has done nothing, next to nothing, bowls with a very strange action [that too, only] one over. Why not Shivam Dube? He can bat, has played for India. You bought him for 4.5 crores, what is he doing on the benches? I have got no idea," he said.
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Former South African pacer Steyn joked that he only remembers fancy dance moves from Parag and no noteworthy performance.
"Riyan Parag hasn't really done anything. You know, there's nothing that I can remember other than some fancy celebrations (chuckles). Kumar Sangakara must really see something in this youngster that he hasn't shown yet.
"I love Kumar and I can trust him with my entire life so if he sees something in that young man, I am going to let it be. But Shivam Dube is a great player, he's sitting on the sidelines there and probably chomping at the bits..."
On Monday (September 27), Riyan got out on a duck against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). He had a good opportunity to finish the innings for his side after a terrific performance by skipper Sanju Samson.
RR could only score four runs in the final over and managed a total of 164/5 which was easily chased down by SRH in 18.3 overs with 7 wickets in hand.
(With ESPNCricinfo Inputs)