Rajasthan Royals (RR) batter Riyan Parag said that he wants to master the art of batting at No. 6 and 7 positions. He’s hopeful that he could perform the role MS Dhoni did during his career playing for both India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
Parag had a poor outing in the IPL 2022. The right-hander scored only 183 runs from 17 matches with one half-century. However, one can argue that was often left to do a lot with fewer balls remaining as he mostly came to bat during the fag end of the innings.
The franchise also faced a lot of criticism for making him bat lower down the order and there’s no point in grooming him at such a position. There were even calls that they shouldn’t even play him in the XI.
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But Parag himself wants to boss the No. 6 and 7 positions in the batting order and wants to get better at his role.
Speaking to Sports Tak, Parag admitted that batting at No.6 and 7 isn't easy but said he is "glad" to face the challenge and learn the art of finishing. He confidently remarked that like MS Dhoni, he wants to "own" the lower-order spots in the near future.
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"I am learning a lot. No. 6 and 7 are not easy. People think you just come and hit sixes, there is no tension. But that is not how it works. I played a couple of good innings, and I definitely could have done better. But like I said, there is plenty to learn. I am happy with the position I bat at. I am not too happy with my performance but I think I am glad with my batting position.
“I want to own No. 6 and 7 position. Only one player has done that in world cricket and that is MS Dhoni. Barring him, no other person comes to mind. I hope to go on that road. Hopefully whatever experience I have gained, I can take it and utilise it the following year," Riyan Parag said.
Parag expressed his desire to play for Team India and for that that he wants to win 6-7 matches for his team. He said that in the next season of IPL he’ll give his best to win matches for his team, which will boost his confidence.
"I want to win more matches for India. I have won one or two matches but that is not enough. If I can make my team win 6-7 matches on the back of performances, only then I can be in the reckoning. If I get selected in the Indian team probables, I won’t like it myself. I don’t deserve it. In the coming season, I want to win more matches for my team, and that will in turn give me the confidence to perform well,” he said.
(Sports Tak inputs)
