Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain Riyan Parag missed the must-win game against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at Sawai Mansingh Stadium on May 19 due to a hamstring injury. After the team won without him and services of veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, he turned up for the post-match press conference. Parag, who was earlier fined for vaping inside the dressing room, expressed criticism of players due to off-field issues. He urged the commentators to respect the players, stick to talking about cricket instead of something that has happened off the field.
“As far as IPL is concerned, there are a lot of things happening outside this year. I feel the whole country loves cricket a lot. We, as players, try to give our best whenever we can,” Parag told reporters after RR’s five-wicket win over LSG.
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“We perform according to the expectations of the crowd. So, I feel we should all love cricket and look at it in the same way. Players are working very hard. It is very easy to say, if a team gets all out for 75 or 80 runs, that they do not know how to play or have the mindset to play.
“But before that game, there is a three- to four-day preparation (time period) to ensure how we can score 200-250. But sometimes, it doesn’t happen. We are humans too, and we make mistakes too. So, I feel, as much as it is happening outside, especially the commentators, their voices are reaching out to the people; I would request them to love cricket and talk about cricket.”
Parag wants a ‘little respect’
Parag said that cricket is country's best sport and the players playing it command a little respect.
“The sport, which is the country’s most important, and in which we are the best, I feel, (should be treated) with a little respect. We should only talk about cricket. We should not talk about anything else,” the batting all-rounder said.
Parag on ‘keyboard warriors’
Parag was also asked about whether social media chatter affects his game. The youngster understands there will be scrutiny and doesn’t concern himself about opinions of ‘keyboard warriors’.
“I have understood one thing that you have been saying for the last four years: no matter what I do, there will be talks,” he said.
“I have also understood that whatever talks are happening, it shouldn’t affect my game, my form or my mindset because keyboard warriors are outsiders.”
Parag is expected to be back in action for RR’s next game against Mumbai Indians (MI) at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on May 24. If they beat MI, they will book their spot in playoffs. Otherwise, they are highly likely to get knocked out.