Assam and Rajasthan Royals all-rounder Riyan Parag expressed how he fails to understand people who tend to criticise him on his non-cricket-related issues. Parag has been in a great vein of form in the recent domestic white-ball tournaments. The 21-year-old emerged as the highest run-getter, highest six-hitter, joint third-highest wicket-taker and Player of the Tournament in the recent Deodhar Trophy.
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But still, the former India U-19 player has received a lot of criticism for his attitude and his conduct on the field. Failing to understand these objections, Riyan Parag stated that he plays cricket for fun as it was the same reason behind him taking up the sport. Rather, he expressed that he is diametrically opposite in real life.
While speaking to “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. 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.”
“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,” Parag further added.
The Rajasthan Royals all-rounder also spoke about the advice he received from Indian batter and modern-day great Virat Kohli. Parag stated how Kohli wants him to work on things that have worked for him in the past. “He told me ‘something that has worked for half a year cannot be wrong after a few failures,” the 21-year-old said.
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What happens in the IPL is that the tournament goes on so fast that after failing in two games, you start to question yourself. Everyone makes mistakes and I have made tons of them. Two-three games don’t go your way and you feel (the need) to change your process and work ethic,” he added
