After RR’s victory against Lucknow Super Giants on Tuesday, Parag, who was sidelined due to a hamstring injury, expressed his annoyance over the excessive scrutiny directed at him, including mentions of past controversies from earlier in the season. He called for a more respectful and cricket-centric approach from pundits and broadcasters.
“In the context of IPL, there are numerous distractions this year. I believe the whole nation is passionate about cricket. We, as players, do our utmost whenever possible,” Parag stated to reporters following RR’s seven-wicket victory over LSG.
“We perform based on the crowd’s expectations. Therefore, we all need to appreciate cricket in the same light. Players are putting in significant effort. It’s easy to say that if a team gets bowled out for 75 or 80 runs, they lack the skills or mindset to play.
“Prior to that game, there’s a preparation period of 3-4 days to strategize how to score 200-250 runs. But sometimes, it just doesn’t work out. We are human, and mistakes happen. So, with all that’s being said outside, especially by commentators whose voices resonate with the public, I urge them to celebrate cricket. Discuss cricket.” Parag, appointed as India A vice-captain for a triangular series in Sri Lanka, was among the impact substitutes for Tuesday’s matchup but did not participate in on-field activities.
The 24-year-old emphasized that cricket is the premier sport in the country and deserves respect.
“This sport, being the most significant in the country, where we excel, should be treated with a degree of respect. We should focus solely on cricket, not anything else,” he remarked.
Parag mentioned that he strives not to let external chatter influence his performance.
“I’ve realized that for the past four years, regardless of my actions, there will always be discussions,” he said.
“I’ve also understood that these discussions shouldn’t impact my game, my form, or my mindset because those commenting are outsiders.” Parag praised teen star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for his stellar 93 against LSG, achieved in just 38 balls with 10 sixes and seven fours, calling it his “best innings”.
“I believe this was his finest performance. When he was at 5 runs off 10 or 11 balls, there are usually two routes he could take. One is to let his ego take over and question why he isn’t succeeding or performing better, which could lead to reckless shots,” Parag explained.
“However, it was exciting to watch Vaibhav, at just 15, take his time. He hit his first big shot off Mayank (Yadav) over the covers, which filled me with a sense of satisfaction and understanding that, while he’s young, he possesses a mature grasp of the game.” LSG head coach Justin Langer also praised Sooryavanshi, describing his batting style as “breathtaking”.
“In my 35 years of cricket experience, I’ve witnessed incredible players. Seeing such a young talent bat like that, not only tonight but throughout the series, is extraordinary,” he said.
“How do I assess this? In the last game, Mitchell Starc, one of the all-time great white-ball bowlers, was bowling, and you could see the expression on his face.” “… and (Anrich) Nortje, a world-class international bowler, was facing Sooryavanshi, and their expressions conveyed a sense of bewilderment, asking, ‘What’s happening here’?”
(With PTI inputs)
