Guwahati: A redemption story was written on Thursday in Jaipur when 22-year-old Riyan Parag played a pivotal unbeaten knock of 84 to help Rajasthan Royals register their second win of the current Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The all-rounder from Assam’s Guwahati has enjoyed a good start to the season, having also scored 43 in the first match and is hoping to take his form deep into the season when the Rajasthan Royals come back to the northeast to play two matches in May, as per a press release.
Speaking on the back of his innings, Riyan said, “It’s been a steady start to the season so far and I am hoping to continue this form going forward. We are excited about coming back home to Guwahati this season. Last year, playing in front of my home crowd, it was certainly a remarkable experience and hopefully we will have the chance to provide the Rajasthan Royals’ fans in the northeast another chance to witness some good victories.”
Into his sixth season of the IPL at the age of just 22, Riyan has experienced the highs and lows of being a professional athlete and the relief on Thursday evening was visible. He commented after the game, “It’s been tough and I am a little emotional right now but yes, I think it’s a lot of work and I have backed myself, I have practiced a lot and I think I am seeing the fruits of it now.”
Elaborating on the hard work that has gone in over the past six seasons and especially in the past couple of years, Riyan said, “I think it’s the fruit of a lot of practice. I have put in a lot of practice behind the scenes and I think it’s out there. It’s not about the bowler I am facing but it’s the ball he is bowling, and I think I have practiced a lot of those balls and could execute a few of them tonight.”
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also tweeted post Riyan’s match-winning innings on Thursday where he said, “Well played Riyan! Your superb knock helped the team win this match. Your home ground in Guwahati awaits your performance later this season.”
An excited Riyan replied to the CM saying, “Thank you Sir, looking forward to come and play at home.”
The Rajasthan Royals will travel to Mumbai on Saturday as they prepare to play Mumbai Indians in their third match of the IPL campaign, the release added.