IPL 2024: Riyan Parag Discusses Criticism, Admits External Factors Affected Performance

In the tumultuous world of cricket, few stories capture the essence of resilience and redemption like that of Riyan Parag’s journey in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL). Amidst relentless trolling and criticism, especially in his early years, Parag has emerged as a shining star, displaying renewed vigor and maturity on the field. Parag’s journey in the IPL hasn’t been smooth sailing. With only 600 runs from 54 matches across previous seasons, he faced merciless criticism and became the subject of social media memes. However, in IPL 2024, Parag has undergone a remarkable transformation, amassing 284 runs and trailing only behind Virat Kohli in the race for the Orange Cap.

Finding Strength Beyond the Boundary

Despite the external noise and scrutiny, Parag has maintained his focus on the game, letting his performances speak for themselves. Reflecting on his journey, he acknowledges the challenges of dealing with criticism and external pressures. “Life on the outside of cricket really affects you. And that’s one big major part which has played in my career is how I deal with it,” Parag shared ahead of Rajasthan Royals’ IPL game against Kolkata Knight Riders.

Turning Criticism into Fuel for Growth

Parag’s determination to rise above criticism has fueled his growth both on and off the field. Under Zubin Bharucha’s guidance at the Royals Academy in Talegaon, he honed his skills, worked on his fitness, and witnessed a significant improvement in his performances across domestic tournaments. While discussions about his potential inclusion in the Indian team for the T20 World Cup swirl, Parag remains grounded and focused on the present. “I’m not really thinking about it (World Cup) to be very honest. If you told me last year I’d be in this position, I would not believe you,” Parag humbly stated. “I just want to take it one game at a time, and focus on how I can win more matches for the team because that’s more important.”

A Change in Position, A Change in Fortune

A pivotal moment in Parag’s career came with his promotion to No. 4 in the batting order by Kumar Sangakkara. This strategic move has unlocked Parag’s potential, allowing him to contribute significantly to the team’s success. “Playing at No. 4 is something which I’m used to doing in domestic cricket. But yeah, it’s been a mix of both, emotionally and skill-wise,” Parag shared. “I feel I’ve been contributing a lot to the team, and I just want to continue that.”