Former Indian fast bowler S Sreesanth has slammed rising star Riyan Parag for comments about not watching the T20 World Cup 2024. The Indian team defeated South Africa in the final by seven runs, ending their 11-year ICC trophy drought. Over the recent few months, Parag's stock in Indian cricket has significantly risen with his stellar IPL 2024 season.
For Rajasthan Royals, Parag scored a stunning 573 runs in 16 matches and was reportedly in line to be picked for the Indian squad which was set to play in the T20 World Cup. Before the marquee tournament, Parag appeared on the TRS Podcast and stated that he would not watch the World Cup as he wasn't playing in it.
Sreesanth slams Parag over "I would not watch World Cup" comments
Reacting to these comments, Sreesanth hit back at Riyan Parag during the T20 World Cup 2024 broadcast. He said, "Some youngsters have also said that they will not watch the World Cup because they have not been selected. I would say that first you should be patriotic then you should be a Cricket lover. I would say that first, you should be patriotic, then yes, you should be a cricket lover. But those who have selected the team, they should be supported with all their heart, mind and passion."
I'm actually not going to watch: Riyan Parag on T20 World Cup 2024
Coming back to Riyan Parag's comments, the Rajasthan Royals star said, "I'm actually not going to watch. I will only watch the final. I don't want to watch cricket anymore because I want to play the World Cup. I think it's a good feeling."
"I want to play the World Cup, play for the country. Once I see these people, I get motivated. But then, I feel could've done something else. If I see the India jersey and cricket kit, I feel like I want to do something. I feel like I'm lacking something and just wanna go out there and smash some balls," he continued.