Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag has criticised television commentators and experts for, in Parag's view, crossing the line with personal remarks during the IPL. Parag said players deserve respect and asked broadcasters to focus on the game, not off-field issues, after Rajasthan Royals defeated Lucknow Super Giants by seven wickets.
Parag did not play in that match because of a hamstring problem and was listed only as an impact substitute. The 24-year-old still addressed the media and raised concerns that some voices on television were shaping harsh public opinion about players, especially when clips from dressing rooms spread widely.
Riyan Parag IPL debate on criticism and respect for players
Speaking about the broader IPL environment this season, Parag said there had been "a lot of things happening
outside this year. "As far as IPL is concerned, there are a lot of things happening outside this year. I feel the whole country loves cricket a lot. We, as players, try to give our best whenever we can, Parag told reporters.
Parag's comments came after scrutiny around an earlier incident, when cameras showed Parag vaping inside the Rajasthan Royals dressing room. Parag said constant attention ignored the work players put in between games. "We perform according to the expectations of the crowd. So, I feel, we should all love cricket and look at it in the same way.
Players are working very hard. It is very easy to say, if a team gets all out for 75 or 80 runs, that they do not know how to play or have the mindset to play. "But before that game, there is a 3-4 days' preparation (time period) to ensure how we can score 200-250. But sometimes it doesn't happen.
We are humans too and we make mistakes too. So, I feel, as much as it is happening outside, especially the commentators, their voices are reaching out to the people, I would request them to love cricket. Talk about cricket. "
Riyan Parag IPL role, India A call-up and handling outside noise
Parag has been named India A vice-captain for a triangular series in Sri Lanka, highlighting Parag's rising status beyond the IPL. Even so, Parag stressed that the sport itself must stay central. "The sport, which is the country's most important sport, and in which we are the best, I feel, (should be treated) with a little respect.
We should only talk about cricket. We should not talk about anything else," he said. Parag added that Parag has tried to protect form and mindset from ongoing public debate. "I have understood one thing that you have been saying for the last four years, that no matter what I do, there will be talks," Parag said.
"I have also understood that whatever talks are happening, it shouldn't affect my game, my form or my mindset because keyboard warriors are outsiders. " Parag said off-field chatter would continue, but Parag wanted fans and commentators to remember that professionals still prepare carefully and accept mistakes as part of sport.
Riyan Parag IPL reaction to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's innings
Parag also praised 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's 93 off 38 balls against Lucknow Super Giants, which featured 10 sixes and seven fours. Parag felt the teenager showed maturity after a slow start. "I think this was his best innings. When he was 5 off 10 or 11, there is always two ways to go about it.
One is take it upon his ego and say why am I not able to hit this? Why am I not recovering from this situation and getting out of it and then he just blindly slogs it," Parag said. "But it was really fun and curious to see Vaibhav, being 15. He took his time.
He played that first big shot off Mayank (Yadav) over covers, which really gave me a sense of satisfaction and understanding that, okay, he is small but then he has a larger understanding of the game. " Parag said Sooryavanshi's approach under pressure showed game awareness, not just power hitting, and deserved credit.
Lucknow Super Giants head coach Justin Langer joined the praise for Sooryavanshi after that innings, calling the batting display striking. "In all my time I've seen some amazing players in 35 years of cricket. To see a young man bat like that, not just tonight but throughout the series, is breathtaking," Langer said.
"Do you know how I judge it? I think the last game, Mitchell Starc, who's one of the all-time great white-ball bowlers, he's bowling and he's almost. you look at the expression on his face. " ". and (Anrich) Nortje, who's a world-class international bowler. And Sooryavanshi is hitting him and the expression on their face is such that, 'what is happening here'?"
Parag's criticism of commentary, Parag's new India A responsibility and Parag's support for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi together underline a shared message from Rajasthan Royals. Parag wants the IPL conversation to centre on performance, preparation and respect for cricket, while young players like Sooryavanshi continue to draw attention through what happens on the field.
