Former cricketer turned commentator, Aakash Chopra, has showered praise on young Assam all-rounder Riyan Parag for his spectacular performance on Thursday, March 28, during the IPL 2024 clash between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. In a game where RR, sent in to bat first by DC skipper Rishabh Pant, found themselves struggling at 36/3 within the first 10 overs, Parag emerged as the game-changer.
Batting at No. 4, a new position for him in this season’s RR lineup, Parag displayed remarkable composure and skill, smashing an unbeaten 84 off just 45 balls. After a slow start, he unleashed a flurry of aggressive strokes, with his last 19 balls yielding a staggering 58 runs.
In a review on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra hailed Parag’s innings as a “coming of age” performance. “The Rajasthan Royals defeated the Delhi Capitals. Riyan Parag has the fire within him. He didn’t do the Bihu dance but made the opposition bowlers dance. The home domination is continuing – nine consecutive matches,” remarked Chopra, emphasizing Parag’s impact on the game.
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Aakash Chopra further praised Parag’s journey, acknowledging the backing and belief shown by the RR franchise.
“My first performer is Riyan Parag. He was sent to bat at No. 4. So it’s not only a win for him but also for the Rajasthan franchise. It’s a win for domestic cricket as well because this player was consistently scoring runs for Assam. He single-handedly took the team to the Syed Mushtaq Ali semi-finals,” expressed the former India cricketer.
Highlighting the significance of RR’s investment in Parag, Aakash Chopra commended the team’s management for their faith and support. “Uncapped Indian players don’t get that position that easily. This team has invested a lot in this player and he is giving the dividends now,” he added.
Despite a shaky start, with key wickets falling early, Chopra commended RR’s resilience in posting a formidable total of 185 runs, crediting Parag’s fiery innings for the turnaround.
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“Rajasthan were 36/3 at one stage… However, to reach 185 from there and to hit Anrich Nortje for 25 runs in the last over, well done. Riyan Parag’s fire was enjoyable to watch,” acknowledged Aakash Chopra.
Having debuted in the IPL in 2019 at the age of 17, Parag has exhibited flashes of brilliance over the years. However, his innings on Thursday marked a significant milestone in his IPL career, with RR hopeful for more stellar performances from the talented youngster in the matches ahead.
