Ajit Karn
Riyan Parag of the Rajasthan Royals believes that former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has conquered the role of a finisher, and that no one else comes close. The 21-year-old from Guwahati, who will play in his fifth IPL this season, added that while he enjoys his role as a finisher, he would prefer to bat at No. 4 if given the opportunity.
“If they (Royals) asked me where I want to bat, I’d say number four,” As always, however, I am willing to bat wherever the team requires me and where they believe I suit best. It is a team sport, and I am happy to contribute regardless of the lineup,” Parag told PTI.
“I have been in the capacity of concluding for the past three years. MS Dhoni is the only name that springs to mind, and I have mentioned him before. I do not believe that anyone else has mastered this skill. “I’ve always admired how he finishes games or how he takes the game to the next level,” Parag added.
On the heels of a successful domestic season for Assam, Parag is optimistic about a strong showing in the IPL. In the previous four editions of the T20 tournament, he has had a largely unsuccessful run.
During the previous IPL season, he scored 183 runs in 17 games for an average of 16.64, scoring only one fifty.
Parag, a member of the 2018 U-19 World Cup-winning team, was a prolific run-scorer in the 2022-23 Vijay Hazare Trophy, scoring 552 runs at an average of 69 in nine games, including three centuries and a half-century.
The right-hander scored 253 runs at a strike rate of 165.35 and two fifties in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Twenty20 Trophy.
“I had a very successful domestic season, and in preparation for the IPL, we held a few training camps in Jaipur. Everyone has appeared to be in fine form with the bat and the ball. I do not believe that my level of confidence has altered; I have always been confident. The performances have manifested, which adds a new dimension to the mental state of each player. When you are self-assured and have accomplishments to back you up, it gives you a confidence boost,” he said.
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Parag stated that he has worked diligently to enhance his bowling. Since I have bowled so many overs this season, I believe there has been a significant improvement in my leg-breaks. I have delivered over 350 overs. “I’ve put a lot of effort into my bowling so I can contribute whenever my team needs me,” he said.
Parag has experienced his fair share of social media abuse, but he claims that it no longer affects him.
“In the past, it did impact me and hinder my performance. However, I am now fairly clear on what I wish to accomplish on social media. “I have many strong opinions; I simply enjoy expressing them, and I do not wait for others to respond or give their opinions,” he said.
