Riyan Parag Set for Extended Role at No. 4 for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2024
Riyan Parag, the young all-rounder from Assam, is poised for a pivotal role in the Rajasthan Royals’ batting lineup in IPL 2024. After years of playing as a finisher, Parag is set to bat at No. 4, a testament to his impressive domestic form and the potential he holds as an “all-round batter.”
Despite underwhelming numbers in previous IPL seasons, the Royals believe Parag possesses the skills and maturity to excel in this new role. “We looked at how he has performed over the years,” said Royals’ director of cricket Kumar Sangakkara. “He has a much more important role that he can play for us.”
Parag’s domestic performances have been nothing short of spectacular. At the Deodhar Trophy, he emerged as the highest run-getter, highest six-hitter, and third-highest wicket-taker. His two List A centuries in that tournament showcased his ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed.
In the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20s, Parag continued his impressive run, scoring 510 runs in ten innings at a strike rate of 182.79. His seven consecutive half-centuries earned him a call-up to the BCCI’s National Cricket Academy.
Sangakkara attributes Parag’s growth to increased maturity and self-awareness. “He’s still a very young cricketer, but he’s also seen the huge jumps that [Yashasvi] Jaiswal and [Dhruv] Jurel have made,” said Sangakkara. “He’s got a hunger there now and an example to follow into the national team.”
Parag’s promotion to No. 4 is a significant step in his development. It provides him with the opportunity to showcase his all-round abilities and contribute more consistently to the Royals’ success. If he continues to perform at the level he has shown in domestic cricket, Parag could soon shed the “uncapped” label and become a regular feature in the Indian national team.