Riyan Parag’s meteoric rise in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 is not only winning matches for Rajasthan Royals but also garnering newfound admiration from critics turned fans. In a recent revelation, Parag credited a pivotal interaction with none other than Virat Kohli for aiding him through a rough patch in his second IPL season, shedding light on the invaluable insights he gained from the cricketing stalwart.
Recalling his struggles during his sophomore IPL season, Parag disclosed how a 15-minute conversation with Kohli proved to be a turning point, offering him guidance on overcoming adversity.
“In my second year, I was having a bad phase in the IPL. I was discussing with him on how to get out of that phase and how he used to handle similar situations, so I can learn from his experience as well. He gave me a good 10-15 minutes of his time and shared a few things with me, I think that really helped me,” Riyan Parag revealed during an interview with JioCinema.
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The 22-year-old’s exceptional form in IPL 2024 speaks volumes about his resilience and determination. Currently ranked as the third-highest run-scorer in the tournament, Parag has amassed an impressive tally of 318 runs from seven games, boasting an average of 63.80 and a striking strike rate of 161.42.
With three fifties under his belt, Parag is not only making a strong case for himself in the IPL but also positioning himself as a contender for a coveted spot in the Indian team. In addition to Kohli’s mentorship, Parag acknowledged the invaluable lessons he imbibed from Rahul Dravid, the current head coach of the Indian team and former mentor of Rajasthan Royals.
Reflecting on Dravid’s influence, Parag emphasized the significance of learning beyond the cricketing realm, including aspects of conduct, engagement with the audience, and overall presentation off the field.
“It was a surreal feeling. I don’t really remember how I was exactly feeling but I was nervous for sure. Playing against CSK, going in to bat, with Dhoni behind the wicket, was a surreal moment for sure, I’ll never forget that. I was more excited than nervous and enjoyed every bit of it,” Riyan Parag fondly recalled his debut encounter against Chennai Super Kings, where he faced the legendary MS Dhoni for the first time.
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Eager to surpass Virat Kohli’s current tally of 379 runs from eight games and reclaim the coveted Orange Cap, Parag is geared up for the upcoming clash between Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians on Monday, April 22, eager to continue his remarkable form and cement his stature as one of the tournament’s standout performers.
