Riyan Parag has been playing the IPL since 2019 but he had crossed a total of 100 runs in a season just twice before 2024. But the 17th edition of the IPL is turning out to be a season to remember for the Rajasthan Royals batter.
When big guns like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson and Jos Buttler failed to get going against the Delhi Capitals on Thursday, Parag lit up Jaipur with a fiery 84 not out.
It's a different Parag that has taken the IPL by storm this year and he already has 127 runs under his belt in just 2 games so far this season.
No wonder why Suryakumar Yadav called him 'RIYAN PARAG 2.0' in one of his Tweets, which went viral after his super knock against DC.
'Met a guy at NCA few weeks ago. He came with a slight niggle. Completely focused on his recovery and with great discipline working on his skills. And I was not wrong to tell that to one of the coaches there ‘He is a changed guy’ RIYAN PARAG 2.0 Watch out,' wrote Sky.
Parag always found himself in the line of fire during previous IPL seasons for not living up to his potential. But he is a changed guy now.
Parag took his time early on and scored his first 26 runs off as many deliveries. But once he got set, there was no stopping the 22-year-old as he smashed the next 58 runs off just 19 balls.
The highlight of his knock was the last over of Rajasthan's innings where he smashed Anrich Nortje for 25 runs, including a monstrous six that left fans praising him.
His super effort made sure that the Royals recovered from being 36/3 to finishing at 185/5 on a tricky track.