Cricket

Riyan Parag, the young all-rounder from Assam, has emerged as a breakout star in the ongoing IPL 2024. After a disappointing run of form in recent years, Parag has rediscovered his touch, amassing three half-centuries in his last four matches. His impressive performances have caught the attention of cricket pundits and fans alike, with many speculating about his potential inclusion in India's T20 World Cup squad.Parag's resurgence began in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy, where he consistently scored half-centuries. He has carried that form into the IPL, where he has emerged as a key player for the Rajasthan Royals. His ability to score runs quickly and consistently has made him a valuable asset to the team.On Wednesday, Parag scored a blistering 76 off 48 balls against the Gujarat Titans. His innings helped the Royals post a formidable total of 196, but it ultimately proved insufficient as the Titans chased down the target with just one ball to spare.Despite the loss, Parag's performance drew praise from legendary commentator Sunil Gavaskar, who suggested that the BCCI was keeping a close eye on him for the T20 World Cup. In the last 15 T20 innings, Parag has scored 10 half-centuries at a strike rate of over 170, a testament to his exceptional batting skills.However, Rajasthan Royals director of cricket Kumar Sangakkara has urged Parag to remain focused on the present and not get carried away by the hype surrounding his potential World Cup selection. Sangakkara believes that Parag should concentrate on performing well for the Royals and let the rest take care of itself."I think his (Parag's) potential is there for everyone to see," said Sangakkara. "I think for Riyan it's really about concentrating on Rajasthan and this season, and whatever happens (being considered for T20 World Cup) will happen after that."Parag's impressive performances have not gone unnoticed by the Indian selectors. He is currently second only to Virat Kohli in the leading run-getter's list this IPL season, having scored 261 runs with a top score of 84 not out. If he continues to perform at this level, he could well find himself in contention for a place in the Indian team for the T20 World Cup later this year.

Rajasthan Royals' director of cricket, Kumar Sangakkara, has lauded the exceptional form of Riyan Parag, while refraining from confirming his spot in India's T20 World Cup squad.Parag has been a revelation for the Royals this season, ranking second in the IPL's leading run-scorers' list with 261 runs. His impactful contributions have been crucial for the team's success.Sangakkara praised Parag's potential, stating, "I think his (Parag's) potential is there for everyone to see." He emphasized the importance of Parag focusing on the present IPL campaign, rather than speculating about his inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad."For Riyan it's really about concentrating on Rajasthan and this season, and whatever happens (being considered for T20 World Cup) will happen after that," Sangakkara said.Sangakkara expressed confidence in Parag's abilities, highlighting his dedication and hard work. "As long as he keeps his head down, he is working hard, he is batting well, he is very organized, he's worked hard in the off-season, he just needs to keep doing those good things and, if he does all that, good things will happen," he said.Despite the Royals' recent defeat against Gujarat Titans, Sangakkara defended star spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, asserting, "Ash (Ashwin) is one of the greatest spinners to play the game." He anticipated a strong comeback from Ashwin, emphasizing that occasional setbacks are part of the game.Reflecting on the match, Sangakkara identified crucial moments where the Royals faltered, particularly in the last two overs. Despite a commendable effort from Kuldeep Sen, pinch-hitters Rahul Tewatia and Rashid Khan's contributions tilted the game in favor of Gujarat Titans.As the IPL season progresses, Sangakkara and the Rajasthan Royals remain focused on regaining momentum and securing victories in their quest for success in the tournament.

Rajasthan Royals' decision to promote Riyan Parag to the No. 4 batting position in their Indian Premier League (IPL) match against Lucknow Super Giants has paid off handsomely. Parag's blistering 29-ball 43 was instrumental in the Royals' victory, and it has also raised questions about why he was not given this opportunity earlier.Royals coach Kumar Sangakkara explained that the team had been considering this move for some time, based on Parag's impressive performances in domestic cricket. "We looked at how Riyan performed over the years," Sangakkara said. "It is a difficult thing for someone like Riyan who has an overall game to only get the toughest parts of the game, where he has to come in and up the run rate at the death."Parag's promotion to No. 4 allowed him to play with more freedom and express his natural attacking instincts. He hit four boundaries and two sixes in his innings, and his strike rate of 148.28 was the highest among all Royals batsmen.Sangakkara praised Parag's versatility and his ability to play against both pace and spin. "He is good against pace and spin, and that number is ideal for him," Sangakkara said. "And Riyan is off to a great start."Parag's performance has also given the Royals a much-needed boost in the batting department. The team has struggled to score runs consistently this season, but Parag's innings has shown that they have the potential to be a dangerous batting unit.Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals director of cricket Sourav Ganguly admitted that his team needs to improve its batting. "With Rishabh Pant back, the batting is stronger," Ganguly said. "If we bat well, we will win a lot of matches because we have the bowling."The Capitals have won just one of their first three matches this season, and they will be looking to turn things around when they face the Kolkata Knight Riders on Saturday.