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In an exclusive interview, rising Indian cricketer Riyan Parag disclosed his cricketing inspiration and shed light on his experience playing under pressure. The 21-year-old dynamo, currently representing East Zone in the Deodhar Trophy 2023, has been showcasing his prowess on the field, leaving cricket enthusiasts in awe.
With 259 runs under his belt, including two centuries, at an impressive average of 86.33, Parag has undoubtedly proven his mettle. The talented all-rounder has been a driving force in the middle order and lower-middle order, providing crucial innings in high-pressure situations.
Speaking about his approach to the game, Parag, in a video shared by BCCI, stated, “I’m not keeping expectations for myself or putting any extra pressure or burden on me. I’m just trying to enjoy whatever cricket I’ve been playing. I love playing under pressure, especially when wickets are down. It might not be the most ideal situation for the team, but I thrive in circumstances where we’re chasing big targets or need to set imposing totals despite losing early wickets.”
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‘It has always been Virat Kohli’: Parag on his inspiration
During his interaction, Parag expressed immense admiration for a particular Indian cricketing icon – Virat Kohli. The young cricketer shared how he relates to the former Indian skipper on multiple levels and seeks inspiration from him.
Having a strong rapport with Kohli, Parag highlighted that the former Indian captain has been generous in sharing valuable technical insights. Kohli’s mentorship and encouragement have played a significant role in shaping Parag’s cricketing journey.
“It has always been Virat Kohli. I don’t look up to any other batsman, although there are great batsmen in our generation. But I just relate a lot to Virat Kohli. I speak with him often, and he’s just got a lot of input that I actually like and I can relate to that person. I like it when he says something; I really understand it, and he makes me understand it as well,” Parag stated.
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