Architect of Rajasthan Royals’ victory against Delhi Capitals, young batter Riyan Parag on Thursday revealed that he was not well for the last three days and had to take painkillers to recover in time for their match IPL. Considered a precocious talent, the 22-year-old from Assam finally lost his age by scoring a not out 84 off 45 balls to secure a 12-run win for Rajasthan Royals against Delhi Capitals.
“I worked very hard, last 3 days I was in bed, I was on painkillers, I just got up today and I am very happy,” said Parag, who was adjudged Player of the Match , during the post-match. presentation of the match.
Despite his talent, Parag struggled to live up to expectations and had disappointing numbers to show in recent seasons, but his hard work paid off as he achieved his highest IPL score to carry the RR at 185 for 5.
“(Emotions) They’re settled, mom’s here, she’s seen the struggle the last 3-4 years,” he said. “I know what my opinion of myself is. It doesn’t change whether I get a zero or not.”
He played as a finisher in the previous editions, but this time the team management gave him an extended role at No. 4. Parag was also coming into the season having scored many points in the Deodhar Trophy and the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20.
“It also depends a lot on the type of season. I had a great domestic season and that helps,” he said.
“Someone from the top four has to bowl all 20 overs, the wicket was staying low and stopping, in the first match Sanju bhayya did it.”
Parag’s performance also impressed his captain Sanju Samson.
“Riyan Parag has been a big name in recent years. Everywhere I go, people ask me about him. There is something very special that he can bring to Indian cricket,” Samson said.
RR got off to a disastrous start as they were 36 for 3 in the eighth over but Parag slowly built up their innings before picking up the pace at the end to take them to a good total.
“The way we started, the first ten overs we were like Rovman, be ready, you might have to bat! The IPL is changing and we all have to be flexible,” Samson said.
RR’s decision to bring in Nandre Burger as an impact player, replacing Shimron Hetmyer, also paid off as the South African pacer struck twice in the fourth.
“Before it was around 11 players, now it’s around 15 players. Sanga and I had a lot of discussions between the 15th and 17th before deciding on the Impact player. It’s about assess what area they are in. You have to look at that and make your decision.
“I saw that Sandy (Sandeep Sharma) was calm and Avesh (Khan) was also looking good, so I picked that,” he added, referring to the brilliant death bowling of the two pacers.
Talking about his strategy ahead of the final, Avesh, who defended 17 runs in the final, said: “My plan is always clear. One side was longer, so my plan was to play against the Yorkers.
“I was giving myself five seconds and all I was thinking about was executing them. I always focus on executing and supporting my Yorkers.
“I’m having fun here because we have Sandeep, Boult, Burger, who all have different skills. Samson gives me the freedom to execute and only steps in if he sees I’m struggling.
“I try to improve every time. In T20s, I try to reinvent myself. I never think about selection and I only practice what I want to play.”
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