Aakash Chopra picks Riyan Parag as player to watch out for in DC-RR clash

As the Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals gear up for their upcoming clash in the Indian Premier League 2024 at Arun Jaitley Stadium, former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has spotlighted uncapped player Riyan Parag as a key performer to watch.

Chopra highlighted Parag’s impressive performance in this season, where he has amassed 409 runs in nine innings, boasting an average of 58.42 and a strike rate of 159.84, including four half-centuries. Notably, Parag’s highest score this season is an unbeaten 84, making him the top uncapped run-scorer and the fourth overall highest run-getter, trailing behind renowned players like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Virat Kohli, and Sai Sudarshan.

Reflecting on Parag’s career with Rajasthan Royals since his debut in 2019, the young cricketer has played 64 matches, scoring 1,009 runs with an average of 22.93 and a strike rate of 136.17, which includes six half-centuries. Chopra, speaking on his YouTube channel, commended Parag’s recent advancements, particularly against short-pitch bowling. “He is not a spark, he is fire, and his name is Riyan Parag. All of us know that he is hitting but what is he doing differently? A marked improvement has been seen in his game against short bowling. For that, you need to practice a lot, whether it is against the sidearm or a bowling machine, the hard work is evident,” Chopra explained.

Chopra also expressed confidence in Parag’s trajectory, suggesting his continued performance could soon lead to inclusion in the Indian team. “Pace has not troubled him at all and that has made the difference. If he keeps hitting like this, he will go very far. I am telling you, he will come in the Indian team, he is batting that well,” he added.

Currently, the Royals hold the second spot in the IPL 2024 standings with 16 points after 10 matches, coming into this game following a narrow one-run defeat to a Hyderabad-based team.