Riayn Parag in action for Rajasthan Royals (Credit: X)
With his 54* against Mumbai Indians today, Parag is tied on top with RCB’s Virat Kohli for the Orange Cap this season currently.
Time takes time, but it rewards those who do so. Riyan Parag can attest to the same as the youngster notched his second consecutive fifty of the IPL season, as he led the Rajasthan Royals to their third consecutive victory of their campaign.
Chasing a meagre 126, Parag came into a seemingly lethargic inning and cleared the boundaries at will as he slashed and dashed his way to a quickfire fifty as well as the win for RR.
When asked about what caused him to flip the switch this season and tap into this newfound confidence and form, Parag stated that he just simplified the game for himself, focusing on taking it one ball at a time.
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“Nothing has changed, just that I have simplified things. Before I would think about things too much, this year the goal is simple, watch the ball, hit the ball. It’s a funny thing, I have said it before, this is the exact situation I go in to bat in domestic cricket,” said Parag in a post-match interview.
Facing a seemingly easy target, it was pivotal for both sides to get off to a stellar start to make a statement and set the tone for the chase.
That is exactly what Yashasvi Jaiswal did as he came out guns blazing, to whack 17-year-old Kwena Maphaka for 2 fours in the first over.
But the Protean pacer would have the last laugh as Jaiswal’s momentary lack of temperament would cost him his wicket, Maphaka’s first in the IPL, in the last ball of the over, giving MI a reason to cheer.
The Mumbaikars would find more reasons to keep their spirits up as Akash Madhwal would strike quickly as well to remove RR skipper Sanju Samson as well in quick succession, to entrap and apply pressure on the Royals.
RR, who needed to merely cruise through, seemed to have been suffering from a quick rush of blood which led to their top order toppling, with RR opener Jos Buttler as well, losing his wicket to Madhwal in his second over.
And this is when Parag entered.
“When Jos got out, I went in to bat, this is when I usually go out to bat. For 3-4 years I haven’t performed well (in the IPL.) When the performances are not coming, you get back to the drawing board. I practiced really hard, I have practiced these kinds of scenarios,” stated Parag.
Mumbai’s fightback had to be respected as calm and composed spells from the likes of Bumrah and Madhwal seemed to have slowed the RR batters down, feeding MI hope of an upset.
But, no matter what, RR kept the scoreboard ticking slowly yet steadily, as Riyan Parag and Ashwin put up a solid 40-run partnership.
Riyan Parag decided to step up another gear and put the innings to rest in cruise control, as the batter slashed when presented with the chance and played with composure to ensure the win for the Royals.
It was meant to be for the youngster who finished off the match in style, letting two sixes and a four fly to reach his fifty and to secure Rajasthan Royals’s third straight win.
