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The cricketing world is abuzz with anticipation for the T20 World Cup 2024, as teams meticulously prepare their strategies and line-ups to secure victory in the prestigious tournament. As focus shifts to standout performers who can excel on the global stage, Rajasthan Royals (RR) head coach, Kumar Sangakkara, recently made intriguing remarks about a rising star within his Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 squad. Sangakkara hinted at a player from his team who he believes is primed to represent Team India in the upcoming mega-event.
Rajasthan Royals’ impressive form in IPL 2024
In the ongoing IPL season, Rajasthan have displayed disciplined cricket, propelling them to a prominent position in the points table. Under the leadership of captain Sanju Samson, who has notched up three fifties in four matches, the team has showcased impressive form. Emerging as a pivotal figure in Rajasthan’s batting lineup, young sensation Riyan Parag has been in scintillating form, smashing four fifties in just five games. This placed him as the second-highest run-getter of the season, trailing only behind the formidable Virat Kohli.
Additionally, the impact of young Indian pacer Kuldeep Sen has been evident, particularly in Rajasthan’s recent clash against Gujarat Titans (GT), where he claimed three crucial wickets, disrupting the opposition’s batting order.
Also WATCH: Rajasthan Royals’ Kuldeep Sen wreaks havoc with his fast bowling against Gujarat Titans
Kumar Sangakkara’s confidence and potential selection for the T20 World Cup 2024
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Sangakkara acknowledged Parag’s evident potential but advised him to maintain his focus on performing well for Rajasthan in the ongoing IPL. Sangakkara expressed confidence in Parag’s abilities, stating that if he continues to work hard and perform consistently, “good things will happen” for him.
“His potential is there for everyone to see. For him, it is about concentrating about Rajasthan and this season. Whatever happens will happen after that. You shouldn’t be too ahead of yourself in terms of looking things too ahead in the future. He is working very hard, batting really well. And if he continues to do that, good things will happen,” Sangakkara said.
Upcoming challenge against the Punjab Kings
In the current IPL season, Parag has been in exceptional form, amassing 261 runs in just five matches for RR. With an impressive average of 87 and a strike-rate of 158.18, he has emerged as the leading run-scorer for the team, surpassing even captain Samson, who has accumulated 246 runs in the same number of matches.
Prior to the start of the season, Parag had only registered two half-centuries in his IPL career. However, his stellar performances this season have strengthened his case for selection in the Indian team for the T20 World Cup scheduled for June this year. Looking ahead, Parag and RR are set to face Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Saturday (April 13) in Mullanpur, where Parag will aim to continue his impressive run and further solidify his position as a top contender for national selection.
