'Last Year I Wasn't Good Enough, Now Want Me in the Indian Team': Riyan Parag's 'Personal Comeback' Leads to Maiden India Call-up
Riyan Parag is part of the India squad that is travelling to Zimbabwe for a 5-match T20I series. (Image: Sportzpics/Instagram)
In the previous years of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Riyan Parag despite showing glimpses of his potential, was unable to maintain his consistency which resulted in many questioning whether the Rajasthan Royals were right in backing the youngster for six years.
Taking a leaf out of his idol, Virat Kohli’s book, Parag has certainly taken it to his naysayers and undoubtedly showed why he should be among the hottest prospects for the future of Indian cricket with his breakthrough season where he scored 573 runs, averaging 52.09 and a strike rate of 149.21.
With that season, he has shot up the ranks and has now earned his maiden India call-up where he will be part of the squad that travels to Zimbabwe for a five-match T20I series that will begin on July 6.
In an interview with ESPNCricinfo, the 23-year-old opened up about what he felt regarding all the abuse and hate he had received across social media during his tough period. He suggests that while he has certainly matured over the years, there was a lot of pain that came with it as well.
“During the Covid IPL season (2020). I was 19, I had a great start to the IPL. You dance, you’re active on social media, you’re doing well and everyone loves you for it. I got so much praise from people in Assam, who love me because I’m showcasing our culture there. And then when the runs didn’t come, they’re picking on you. I used to sit on my balcony and stare at the sea endlessly. It took a lot out of me. That’s why I say maturity comes with pain,” said Parag.
Despite the struggles, the all-rounder put up with it and took some time to reflect and according to him, this comeback was ‘personal’. He admits that back then he might not have prepared for the season properly but feels all the hate that was pointed at him was something that he did not think he deserved and now has come to terms with the situation.
“This sort of a comeback is personal because I had to put up with stuff I didn’t really deserve. Maybe I’ve lacked in preparation, maybe I’ve lacked in a few things, but then I’ve always put my best foot forward. I thought I didn’t deserve all the trolling, but what could I do? People are going to say things regardless. Last year they said I wasn’t good enough to play in the IPL. Now they want me in the Indian team”. Now with the national team, Riyan Parag will hope to continue his immense form with the bat to hopefully put him in the T20I side in the long run and hope to take his game to even bigger heights.