Rajasthan Royals star Riyan Parag was superb in the Deodhar Trophy. He scored the most runs in the tournament, getting 354 runs in 5 innings. He had an average of 88.50 and a strike rate of 136.88. He also scored 2 centuries and 1 fifty. However, his performance was not good in IPL 2023, where he only scored 78 runs in 7 matches.
Due to this, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selectors were not considering him. But his impressive performance in the Deodhar Trophy has once again brought him into consideration for national selection.
Riyan Parag on dealing with trolls
Talking to the Indian Express about his change in performance and the negative comments he received during the Indian Premier League 2023, Parag mentioned that he understood why people disliked him and trolled him.
“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,” Riyan Parag 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 me gaming and playing golf in my off time,” he added.
Parag only managed to make 78 runs in 7 games during the Indian Premier League, and his best score was 20. He silenced his trolls with his performance in the Deodhar Trophy, and he mentioned that he plays cricket for the joy it brings him.
“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,” he further added.
