In the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season, Riyan Parag has emerged as a significant force for the Rajasthan Royals (RR), drawing high praise from assistant coach Shane Bond for his exceptional talent and maturity at a young age.
Comparing Parag’s impact to the ascent of Suryakumar Yadav at Mumbai Indians, Bond sees a bright future for the young batsman, emphasizing his crucial role in RR’s early successes.
Parag, only 22, has been pivotal in Rajasthan’s victories, contributing significantly with two fifties in three games. His latest innings against Mumbai Indians was a masterclass in chasing, where he scored an unbeaten 54 off 39 balls, guiding his team to a six-wicket win.
Bond highlighted Parag’s development, stating, “He sort of reminds me a little bit of Surya, who came to Mumbai a few years ago. He looks like that – he has got extreme talent. He has just matured as a cricketer, even though he is only 22.”
The RR assistant coach, who previously nurtured bowling talents at Mumbai Indians, emphasized the strategic decision to elevate Parag in the batting order, following a trade that brought Avesh Khan to the team and allowed Parag to bat higher, a move that has proven to be highly beneficial.
Bond reflected on Parag’s journey in the IPL, noting the challenges of playing as a finisher at such a young age, a role typically reserved for more experienced international players. “Riyan started so young, you forget that he was 17 or something, playing in one of the toughest spots in a batting line-up of No 6,” Bond said, commending Parag’s growth and the “wealth of experience” he has gained over the years.
The assistant coach also praised the “selfless” performance of Yuzvendra Chahal, whose tight bowling spell of 4-0-11-3 was instrumental in the win against Mumbai Indians. Bond believes that such performances could put Chahal back in contention for the Indian national team, especially with a World Cup on the horizon.
“If we do that, I have got no doubt people are going to start talking like you are now about Chahal and whether he will feature in a World Cup or not. He is bowling beautifully, and if he keeps doing that, then we have got a massive chance in this tournament,” Bond added.
Bond’s insider knowledge of players from his time with Mumbai Indians also plays a role in crafting strategies for Rajasthan Royals.
As the IPL season progresses, Rajasthan Royals, buoyed by the performances of young talents like Riyan Parag and seasoned players like Yuzvendra Chahal, looks to continue their winning streak, with Bond’s strategic acumen and the players’ skills forming a formidable combination.
