Follow UsHaving finished seventh on the points table, Rajasthan Royals were eager to build a squad with ample experience during the IPL 2022 Auction. The Royals signed the 35-year-old Ravichandran Ashwin in the marquee set before snapping up former RCB leg-spinner, Yuzvendra Chahal.
During the latter part of the Auction, the franchise also welcomed back all-rounder Riyan Parag. Ahead of the new season, the 20-year-old Parag revealed that he is “eager” to pick the veteran Ashwin’s brains with the ball.
"That will definitely be Ashwin... If not the best ever, he's like one of the best off-spinners going around in the world," said Parag, a spin bowling all-rounder said in a release issued by his franchise.
Parag also insisted that he would carry a red ball, in order to improve his game in the longest format, during the tournament.
"I'll definitely try to carry a red ball with me in the tournament so that I can get a few tips. But even with the white ball, I think if I can pick his brains on the varieties and all the mysteries. I think my white-ball bowling is going to be much better after the season," he added.
Parag, who stormed the headlines with his display for the Royals, showed his excitement of returning back to the franchise.
"I started my IPL journey at the Royals, and I'm delighted that I was bought back. I know there were four teams involved in the bidding and it was nice to see that because that means I've been doing something right," said Parag, who was bought back By RR for Rs 3.80 crore.
"Why this team means so much to me is because of the very family vibe, where everyone takes care of you, everyone is very friendly and approachable," he said while quarantining ahead of the season.
While the Assam cricketer scored 293 runs in six innings, averaging 48.83 and picking up seven wickets, he was quick to admit that his season was just an “average” one.
"I missed a few 100s, I think I was in good nick and was batting well. In terms of bowling too, I got my first five-for.
"So yes, there is still huge scope for improvement. The focus now is on prepping up for the IPL as I've played less white ball cricket in the last month or so, but a few sessions of good practice should help in preparing," he said.
The 20-year-old also insisted that he hopes to finish more matches for the Royals in the upcoming season, having fallen short on occasions in the past season.
"I think a lot of people will tell you this, the role that I play is the toughest one in T20 cricket, batting at 6 or 7, finishing off games."
"I know I haven't produced as many performances as I would have liked, but I think now I understand myself much better as a player and understand what my strengths are. So, I hope it's going to be my year," Parag signed off.
(With inputs from PTI)