'We sometimes forget...' - Ravichandran Ashwin opines on Riyan Parag's frequent criticism

The young uncapped Indian batter Riyan Parag made it to the headlines of social media with his swashbuckling century in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024. While playing for Assam as a skipper against Chhattisgarh, Riyan Parag smashed 155 runs off just 87 balls when Assam was struggling in a follow-on against the hosts.

Meanwhile, the veteran Indian off-spinner and one of the amazing experts among the active cricketers has broken the silence over criticism that is being thrown at Riyan Parag more often. Ashwin also lauded the 23-year-old southpaw for his recent brilliant performances in Indian domestic cricket.

“Riyan Parag is frequently criticized as an overhyped cricketer after just seeing his IPL performances. We sometimes forget that he’s a youngster. This season, he had a great SMAT, a great Vijay Hazare, and he hit 155 for Assam vs. Chhattisgarh, the first match of the Ranji season,” said Ashwin in a video on his YouTube channel.

“He scored 155 of 87 balls. He didn’t play for the sake of playing like a T20 cricketer. He was pushed into that situation. All the batters on the other end fell like flies, and he took charge of his own hands and played such a knock,” he added later.

Riyan Parag eyeing a spot in the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup 

Notably, Riyan Parag has been quite consistent with his batting performances in his recent appearances in the Indian domestic circuit, including the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy and the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024. He is also eyeing his spot in the Indian squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, which is set to be held in the USA and West Indies later this year in June.

Riyan Parag will also be in action for Rajasthan Royals in the upcoming Indian Premier League 2024; earlier, he had faced criticism for his poor outings in the Indian Premier League.