India A and Rajasthan Royals cricketer Riyan Parag has opened up on the trolling he faces on social media, especially during the Indian Premier League tournament. He expressed that people have a problem with his style of playing and living. He added that he is the opposite of how most think cricket should be played.
Riyan Parag made a promising debut for the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League 2018. However, he hasn’t been able to make much of an impact in the tournament for the franchise. He has been subjected to a lot of trolling on social media, even for his off-field behaviour. In an interview with the Indian Express, Riyan Parag opened up on the trolling on social media. He said,
“People have a problem with me chewing gum. If my collar is up that’s a problem. I celebrate after taking a catch that’s a problem. They have a problem with my gaming and playing golf in my off time.”
“I have an idea why people hate me. There is a rulebook about how you should play cricket. The T-shirt should be tucked in, the collar should be down, give respect to everyone, don’t sledge anyone, and I am completely the opposite,” he added.
People think I am not grateful: Riyan Parag
Riyan Parag further shared that he started playing cricket for fun, and has continued to do so for the same reason. He added that people don’t think he is grateful for the opportunities that he has gotten in the Indian Premier League. Speaking to the Indian Express, Riyan Parag said,
“I started playing cricket because it is fun and I am still playing cricket for the fun part. People can’t digest that I am playing on such a big level, and I am enjoying it. People think I am not grateful.”
Riyan Parag also spoke about his mother dealing with the trolling. He said, “My only advice to her is this is going to happen regardless of whether I do well or bad. I have told her to stay off Instagram and Facebook. They do go through trauma but I don’t think anyone cares about it.”
Riyan Parag emerged as the top performer in the recent Deodhar Trophy, playing for the East Zone. He was the highest run-getter with 354 runs in five games, including two hundreds and a 95 in the final against South Zone. He also picked 11 wickets in the tournament and won the Player of the Tournament award.
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