Rajasthan Royals' star all-rounder Riyan Parag gave a standout performance in the just concluded Deodhar Trophy 2023. Becoming the top run-scorer in the competition, he accumulated 354 runs for the East Zone, although his team ended up losing in the final.
His commendable batting display featured two centuries and a fifty, reflecting his prowess with the bat.
The remarkable performance by Parag won him the 'Player of the Series' accolade, further reinforcing his reputation as an emerging star in the Indian cricket arena. Deodhar Trophy heroics marked a significant improvement from his lacklustre performance in the IPL 2023 which saw him falling victim to brutal online trolling.
Parag finally broke his silence about transformation in the form and the disapproval he faced during the Indian Premier League 2023, confessing that he comprehended why some disliked him.
"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," he told Indian Express.
"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," Parag further added.
In the Indian Premier League, Parag could only manage to score 78 runs in seven matches, his highest being just 20. However, he managed to shut down his critics with his recent batting heroics in domestic the cricket, emphasizing that he plays the game simply for enjoyment.
"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 concluded.
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