Rajasthan Royals’ veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin lauded Riyan Parag after their four-wicket win against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Eliminator at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. RR bowlers came up with an impressive show, restricting the opposition to 172-8 after Sanju Samson won the toss and decided to bowl first.

Meanwhile, Parag continued his good form, scoring 36 runs off 26 balls with the help of two fours and as many sixes in the run-chase. Parag has thus far scored 567 runs in 13 innings at an average of 56.70 and a strike rate of 151.60 in IPL 2024. 

The youngster is the third-highest run-getter in the tournament and has played a key role in the succes of the franchise in the ongoing season.

“My expectation out of Riyan Parag is really high. And I would say he’s actually missed out on closing games down. And that’s something that I always tell Riyan and Yashasvi. Because I think they are top class players and you’re just seeing their silver lining, you’re not seeing entire diet. That’s why I’m very excited for this group of players,” Ashwin said while speaking to JioCinema.

Ashwin also showered praise on Sanju Samson, for leading from the front. Samson has amassed 521 runs in 14 innings at an average of 52.10 and a strike rate of 155.52.

“With Sanju, if you ask them honestly, he would have been playing a little selfish, but he’s striking at 165 and that’s exactly what we need from Sanju Samson this year and, so happy for him. I’m very glad that he’s made it to the Indian World Cup side as well. Uh, it’s a great group to be around,” R Ashwin added.

Meanwhile, Ashwin returned with impressive figures of 2-19 in his quota of four overs as he accounted for Cameron Green and Glenn Maxwell.

Rajasthan Royals will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad in the second qualifier at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on Friday.