Rajasthan Royals (RR) batter Riyan Parag admitted that he was influenced with the Undeserved hatred and negativity he confronted early in his career. At the age of 19, Parag obtained an IPL contract from RR in 2019 but strived to satisfy expectations.
Parag’s debut IPL season in 2019 changed into distinctly staggering, with an average of 32 and a strike rate of 126.98 in seven fits. However, over the subsequent four IPL seasons (2020-2023), he faced great challenges, dealing with most effective one half-century in 47 matches.
Following his on-field difficulties, Parag also met disapproval from fans for his casual and reputedly carefree mind-set. In an interview with ESPNCricinfo after his first call-up much as the Indian team for the approaching T20Is towards Zimbabwe, Parag said:
“It’s not easy. But then again, after last year, I had a chat with myself. And 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. So people change, just like a switch.”
Riyan Parag faced an incredible comeback in his domestic season after IPL 2023, retaining his impressive form into the 2024 IPL season. The Assam cricketer made 573 runs at an average of 52.09 and a strike rate of 149.22 in 15 matches, obtaining him a call-up much in the national team.
“Pain brings maturity”- Riyan Parag
Riyan Parag believes he matured as a cricketer due to the pain from the hatred and negativity he faced. The 22-year-old was widely criticized by fans across India for his poor performances in the IPL until the 2024 season.
“Maturity comes with pain. There are millions watching the IPL. When I don’t perform, I feel terrible. And people add to it. Opinions from fans add to it. Opinions from great players add to it. So I just had to figure out what really mattered.”
“Why was I getting so much hate? Why was I getting negative energy from all the people except those from the Royals set-up? I tried to understand my game. And once I started doing that, I got this sudden love for getting into cricket a lot,” said Parag.
Parag is expected to make his debut for India in the upcoming five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe, commencing in Harare on Saturday, July 6th.
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