IPL – Riyan Parag – I have the power and strength to deal with yorkers, short balls

“I think it’s a result of a lot of practice behind the scenes,” Parag told the host broadcaster after powering Royals to 185 for 5. “I think it’s not about the bowler but the ball he is bowling and I practiced a lot of those balls and I could execute a few of them tonight.”

In the final over of Royals’ innings, Parag lined up Anrich Nortje, one of the fastest bowlers in the world, and took him for 4, 4, 6, 4, 6. Even bouncers and yorkers were not spared.

“I always have my options ready on both sides of the wicket. That’s what I’ve been working on lately and I just back myself,” Parag said. “I know I’ve got the power and the strength to dig out yorker balls or even hit sixes off the short balls. So, I’m just backing myself and whenever it comes, I’m going to hit a boundary. Sometimes, it does work out and sometimes it doesn’t.”

At one point, Parag was on a run-a-ball 26. Having walked in at 30 for 2 in the sixth over, Parag saw off the early seam movement and rebuilt the innings with R Ashwin, who was promoted to No. 5. He then cut loose in the end overs to hit 58 off his last 19 balls.

“Sanga [Kumar Sangakkara, Royals head coach] came in and Sanju [Samson] bhaiyya [brother] came in and told to take it [the innings] deep. I was confident in myself that if I did take it deep I could get a lot of runs at the end. So someone coming in new…it isn’t that easy. For someone staying and knowing the wicket, it’s a little easier and I just backed myself.”

When asked about his journey so far at the big stage, where he made his IPL debut at the age of 17 and has had an up-and-down career, Parag said: “It’s tough, it’s been tough. I’m a little emotional right now, but I think it’s a lot of work and I back myself. I’ve practiced a lot and I think I’m seeing the fruits of it now.”