Former Australian all-rounder Tom Moody believes there seems to be a lot of noise with Riyan Parag. There is no doubt that Parag has a lot of talent but he is yet to prove his mettle in the Indian Premier League. While Parag adds a lot of value to the team with his gun fielding but he is yet to grab his opportunity for Rajasthan Royals with the bat.
Parag bats at number four while playing for his state team Assam in the domestic circuit but he gets most of his chances in the lower middle order for RR. The youngster has been given the role of the finisher by Kumar Sangakkara and Sanju Samson but he hasn’t quite made a case for himself.
The 21-year-old has scored 549 runs in 49 IPL matches at a sub-par average of 16.64 and strike rate of 125.92. Parag was dismissed after scoring 20 from 12 against PBKS on Wednesday.
Speaking to ESPN Cricinfo, Tom Moody said, “With Riyan Parag, there seems to be a lot of noise. I just want to see the return for the noise, and I haven’t seen the return.”
In the same discussion, Sanjay Manjrekar said, “Riyan Parag plays these kinds of cameos. He is not able to play that innings where he’s got a 60 not out from the kind of faith that’s been shown on him. When you look at his IPL record as well, it tells you the story. But we know about Riyan Parag and there’s something Rajasthan Royals like about him.”
On the other hand, former Sunrisers Hyderabad head coach Moody showered praise on Nathan Ellis, who returned with figures of 4-30 to help his team register a five-run win against RR.
Moody said on Ellis, “I think he is underrated. He is a lot quicker than what a lot of people expect. He hurries people and sort of skids off the pitch. He has got a very good change of pace and he has had a good day. 4/30 is a solid day out. He bowled the tough overs. He has given Punjab the headache they want to have, that is around their selection and combination”
Nathan Ellis was awarded the Player of the Match for his fine spell. Punjab Kings will next face Sunrisers Hyderabad at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad on Sunday.
