Last year they said I wasn’t good enough to play in the IPL, now they want me in the Indian team – Riyan Parag

Indian batter Riyan Parag said he was on the receiving end of a lot of criticism and hate on social media, which he didn’t deserve. Parag always has had the talent in him but he could not deliver consistently for Rajasthan Royals after making his debut back in 2019.

However, the batter from Assam was able to turn the tables in IPL 2024. He scored 573 runs in 14 innings at an average of 52.09 and a strike rate of 149.21. Parag was the third-highest run-getter of the tournament and played a key role in taking Rajasthan Royals to the playoffs. Consequently, he earned his maiden call-up for the Indian team for the tour of Zimbabwe.

Furthermore, Parag had delivered consistently in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, scoring 510 runs in 10 matches at an average of 85. Ergo, he helped Assam in reaching the semifinal stages of the domestic tournament.

“During the Covid IPL season (2020). I was 19, I had a great start to the IPL. You dance, you’re active on social media, you’re doing well and everyone loves you for it. I got so much praise from people in Assam, who love me because I’m showcasing our culture there. And then when the runs didn’t come, they’re picking on you. I used to sit on my balcony and stare at the sea endlessly. It took a lot out of me. That’s why I say maturity comes with pain,” said Parag in an interview with ESPN Cricinfo.

“This sort of a comeback is personal because I had to put up with stuff I didn’t really deserve. Maybe I’ve lacked in preparation, maybe I’ve lacked in a few things, but then I’ve always put my best foot forward. I thought I didn’t deserve all the trolling, but what could I do? People are going to say things regardless. Last year they said I wasn’t good enough to play in the IPL. Now they want me in the Indian team”.

Parag will be determined to prove his mettle in the upcoming five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe.

The first T20I between India and Zimbabwe will be played at the Harare Sports Club, Harare on Saturday.

India’s squad for 1st and 2nd T20Is vs Zimbabwe

Shubman Gill (capt), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhishek Sharma, Rinku Singh, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Riyan Parag, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar, Tushar Deshpande, Sai Sudharsan, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Harshit Rana