Assam’s talented all-rounder Riyan Parag played a key role in the Rajasthan Royals (RR) thrilling 12-run win over the Delhi Capitals (DC) in the 9th game of the ongoing IPL 2024 in Jaipur on March 28.
Parag showcased his batting prowess by playing a magnificent knock of 84 runs off just 45 deliveries against DC, laced with seven fours and six sixes in Jaipur.
But a standout moment from his hammering was the remarkable assault on Anrich Nortje in the final over of RR’s innings, where he hammered 24 runs with a sequence of boundaries and sixes (4, 4, 6, 4, 6).
Well, after winning the Player of the Match award for his superb show against DC, Parag revealed that he was in bed for three days due to illness, and he took painkillers just to be able to take the field in the match on Thursday.
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Riyan Parag said at the post-match presentation: “I have worked very hard, the last 3 days I was in bed, I was on painkillers, I just got up today and I’m very happy. (Emotions) They are settled, mom is here, she has seen the struggle, over the last 3-4 years. I know what my opinion is about myself. That does not change regardless of whether I get a zero or not.”
Parag further said of his knock, “I think it’s a result of a lot of practice behind the scenes. I think it’s not about the bowler but the ball he is bowling and I practiced a lot of those balls and I could execute a few of them tonight.”
Speaking about his game plan, the RR star said: “I always have my options ready on both sides of the wicket. That’s what I’ve been working on lately and I just back myself. I know I’ve got the power and the strength to dig out yorker balls or even hit sixes off the short balls.
So, I’m just backing myself and whenever it comes, I’m going to hit a boundary. Sometimes, it does work out and sometimes it doesn’t. That’s a lot to do with the type of season as well, I had a great domestic season and that helps.”
Parag signed off by saying, “Someone in the top four has to play the 20 overs, the wicket was keeping low and stopping, in the first game Sanju bhayya (Sanju Samson) did it.”
(With ANI/PTI Inputs)
