Cricket experts and fans alike weren’t easy on critiquing Riyan Parag over the years. One can’t blame them, RR had invested a lot in the young man for quite a few years now, and the results weren’t close to what was expected. Riyan Parag was signed in 2019 by the Rajasthan Royals, a team that has time and again placed irrefutable value on investing in youth talent, starting from Sanju Samson, and Yashasvi Jaiswal among several others. But Parag just didn’t seem like the man they needed.
Parag’s flawed role
Parag was put into the team for a defined role- one of a finisher, a pinch hitter who can play small, impactful cameos. He also could roll his arm around if necessary. But over the years his place in the team was constantly under scrutiny. Other than an odd inning here or there, Parag often contributed disappointingly, be it with batting or bowling. To be fair, he was never in the team for bowling, but without that finisher role working out for him, RR found themselves in trouble. He was a great fielder and was maybe a reason RR did stick with him for a while, but a guy needs to bowl or bat at least, if not both. Everyone was quick to want Parag out of the team, saying he could be taking up a valuable spot for another youngster. Along with that, his attitude was often criticised, saying that a youngster like him must be hardworking and determined, instead of overconfident in his abilities. Parag wasn’t scared to express himself and his antics were one of a brash, young player. But RR was persistent.
Why is he still here?
Years passed and by 2023 fans were almost begging for Parag to be released by the franchise. It had been 4 years, and many believed the ‘Royal’ gamble had failed. RR had now found Dhruv Jurel, so Parag doesn’t warrant a spot anymore, right? The franchise had more faith than most would, sticking with someone with gritty patience hoping that there would be some returns, but everyone believed that his time surely, was up. RR needed to stop clinging to a false hope of bearing the fruit of their patience. But Parag proved us all wrong and showed why RR was so keen on keeping Parag.
Parag’s comeback
Parag had an incredible, incredible run in the domestic circuit, and looked better than ever. But this would not translate into IPL performances was what most believed. He had been failing to live up to expectations on the big platform of IPL, and the same was expected. And this would be a make-or-break season for Parag, with the mega auction coming up next year. He had to make a great case for himself or he would be forgotten like so many players who failed to show their prowess on the relentless stage of IPL. And so far, he has looked incredible. Some critics who followed Parag believed he was always in the wrong position, believing him to be a player who needed to come in earlier and set himself in before exploding. Those critics were overshadowed by the overwhelming dissent for Parag’s position in the XI, but they’re the ones that are loud and clear now.
Parag was given an all-important number 4 position, and look how he’s flourishing in that position! He has been the man RR has been looking for all along, he was just not in the best position. He was also in a rough patch during his formative years but RR were patient, and their patience has finally been rewarded handsomely. Parag has shown why he was so confident in himself, his performances speak for themselves, and his talent has finally been on showcase.
Like Sanju Samson said, he is a prospect not just for RR, but for India in the future. When Parag himself said he could be a great finisher for India years before, people laughed at him. But as he has matured into a brilliant young man who has the calibre to win games for his side, he may just be someone that we all need to keep an eye on.
