IPL 2024: Good things will happen – Kumar Sangakkara wants Riyan Parag to keep his focus intact with T20 World Cup selection on the cards

Rajasthan Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara has urged Riyan Parag to keep his focus in the ongoing Indian Premier League with T20 World Cup selection on the cards.

Parag continued his good form against Gujarat Titans as he scored a fine knock of 76 runs off just 48 balls at the Sawai Man Singh Stadium, Jaipur on Wednesday. The batter from Assam scored three fours and five maximums in his knock to help RR post 196 runs on the board.

The right-hander added a fine alliance of 130 runs with his skipper Sanju Samson for the third wicket. The 22-year-old has scored 261 runs in five matches of IPL 2024 at an average of 87 and a strike rate of 158.18.

The youngster also scored 510 runs in 10 matches at an average of 85 in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and played a key role in taking Assam to the semifinals. Ergo, Parag, who didn’t perform at his best for RR in the last five editions, has put his hat in the ring for World Cup selection.

“I don’t know in that sense, it’s way beyond me (if Riyan will be included in India’s squad for T20 World Cup). I think his potential is there for everyone to see. I think for Riyan it’s really about concentrating for Rajasthan and this season. And whatever happens, will happen after that.

“One should never get too ahead of looking at things too far in the future and as long as he keeps his head down, he is working really hard, he is batting really well, he is very organised, he has worked hard off season, he just needs to keep doing those good things and if he does that, good things will happen,” said Sangakkara in post-match press conference.’

The former Sri Lankan captain gave credit to the opposition as GT went on to win by three wickets. However, Sangakkara said there were plenty of positives for them Yashasvi Jaiswal looking good, and Kuldeep Sen shinning his first match of the season, picking three wickets.

“First of all we batted really well. It was a tough period to start with. I thought the way Sanju (Samson) and Riyan rebuilt our innings, Hetty (Shimron Hetmyer) with his cameo was outstanding, (Yashasvi) Jaiswal looked in great form as well so those are positives.

“I think we were right there. Kuldeep Sen coming back bowled three brilliant overs. We just lost it towards the backend. We probably didn’t use the pitch as well as we should have. But that’s the way the game goes. I thought they played really well, stayed in the game and took advantage of the mistakes we made.”

Rajasthan Royals will next take on Punjab Kings at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, Chandigarh on Saturday.