Riyan Parag 2.0 - The Rise of a Youngster..

IPL has created futures for many Indian cricketers. Not only Indians, see what kind of reputation and skill gained by Matheesha Pathirana. If you perform well at the right time, it will come around you positively. I saw Riyan Parag in Rajastan Royals team for a few years. I think he was unable to score even one fifty in those seasons.

Rajasthan Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara didn't drop him and I was unable to understand why until recently. Talking about his past life, Riyan Parag comes from a sporty family. So he had their support. He played for India at U-19 Cricket World Cup where India won the trophy that time. Because he performed well there, Rajasthan Royals had bought him back then.

Earlier, he was playing at No 6 or 7. He was not getting to face too many balls. He was hardly getting 5 or 6 balls. Even if he was getting 10 overs to bat, generally half the side is already back in the pavilion. In that situation, he had to bat with the tail and keep the scoring rate high as well. Batting at 6 and 7 in T20 cricket is all about luck, only once in a blue moon, you get to hit four or five sixes in an over.

Last season, Parag made 78 runs in seven innings. In IPL 2022, he made 183 in 14. In 2021, he made 93 in ten. These are underwhelming numbers. Yet, Royals believe they have seen enough in Parag that points to something special in the offering. One of the most notable contributions Sangakkara has made is recognizing Parag's potential and talent, which has led to a change in Parag's batting position. Sangakkara and the team management decided to promote Parag to the number 4 position, allowing him to play a more significant role in the team's batting lineup. This decision has proved to be beneficial, as Parag has been able to showcase his abilities and make meaningful contributions to the team's success.

Domestic cricket has been instrumental in Riyan Parag's success, providing him with the platform to develop his skills, gain confidence, and earn recognition. His impressive performances in tournaments like the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20, Deodhar Trophy, and Ranji Trophy have showcased his ability to adapt to various conditions and situations. These experiences have not only honed his batting and bowling skills but also contributed to his mental toughness and resilience, crucial for handling pressure situations in professional cricket. Parag's success in domestic cricket has not gone unnoticed, earning him opportunities in high-profile leagues like the IPL, where he has been able to showcase his talent on a bigger stage.

Parag opened IPL 2024 with a 29-ball 43 against Lucknow Super Giants, putting together a match-turning 93-run stand off 59 balls with Sanju Samson. Parag didn't try to take down the bowlers from the get-go but played himself in and attacked once set. Then he scored unbeaten 84 runs in 45 balls, maximizing the strike rate. Then at the low-score run chase vs Mumbai Indians, he again score a fifty becoming the anchor for the team.

It's great to see a player get a chance to rise after failing for 3 seasons in the IPL. I think Riyan Parag is extremely lucky to have that chance. And he has taken full advantage out of the opportunities given to him.