Rajasthan Royals all-rounder Riyan Parag is hopeful about playing for Team India extremely soon. He wants to do this by impressing selectors with his performances in the IPL. Still 21, the cricketer from Assam is one of the most promising all-rounders in the domestic circuit and has shown flashes of his brilliance in the biggest T20 franchise league in the world.
IPL 2021 abruptly came to an end after the first month because of a COVID outbreak among camps. As a result, it got indefinitely suspended and postponed. The second-half of the tournament is all set to resume from September 19 in the United Arab Emirates, where it was also held last year.
The 21-year-old believes he had a decent first half of the season but regrets not winning more matches for his side. He continues to believe in his abilities and is confident of doing well in UAE.
“I think the first half of the IPL was decent for me, but I could’ve done better in terms of winning more matches for the Royals. But I’m not going to be too harsh on myself, because I believe in my abilities and through rigorous training, I’m pretty sure I’ll be able to make a difference in the UAE,” said Parag.
He also mentioned that the IPL is a stepping stone to make a case for himself in the national team. The tournament also presents me with a chance to perform to the best of my abilities and make a case for the senior national team,” Parag stated as quoted by ANI News.
Rajasthan Royals occupy the fifth position in the table as things stand and Parag believes that they have a solid chance of making it to the playoffs. He believes that the team can improve in various departments and their ambition is to qualify for the knockout rounds this season.
“I think we have a really good shot at making it to the playoffs. We’re placed number fifth on the table, and we’ve got seven more matches to play. Plus, we know the conditions in UAE really well from last season.
“I believe we can improve a lot in various departments, and with a good team balance and combination on and off the field, I think we’ll have a really good shot of qualifying for the playoffs first, and then of course, winning the title,” Riyan signed off