'I Didn't Realise He Was This Young': Shane Watson Impressed With Riyan Parag's Game Sense

Last IPL season, Riyan Parag finished with 78 runs from seven games for Rajasthan Royals and was heavily criticised especially after the franchise had splurged a whopping Rs 3.8 crore on him at the 2022 players’ auction. However, in IPL 2024, he has more than doubled that tally in just three games earning rave reviews from all around for the massive improvement.

Riyan has already scored two half-centuries including a career-best 83 not out against the Delhi Capitals. Currently, the RR batter has 181 runs at an excellent strike-rate of 160.18.

Former Australian allrounder Shane Watson feels that Riyan at just 22 years of age has an impressive game awareness.

“I didn’t realise he was this young. He’s only 22. For someone to be in control of his skills against the best bowlers in the world, backed by his composure, game sense, awareness about timing, the right bowler to have a go at, and where to hit is impressive,” Watson said on JioCinema.

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On Monday, Riyan scored an unbeaten 54 to help RR overhaul the target of 126 against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium.

In a conversation with the broadcasters, Riyan said he hasn’t changed much but simplified is approach.

“Actually, I’ve simplified everything instead of trying to do a lot of things. Earlier when I wasn’t getting runs I would try a lot of different things. This year, it’s just seeing the ball and hitting the ball,” Parag said.

Watson is a fan of his approach.

“I just love him talking about how he’s simplified everything. As a batter, you’ve got intent and are watching the ball, ready to react, and he’s doing that with so much time. Now, he’s on top of the pile when it comes to the Orange Cap,” Waston said.

RR, currently at the top of the IPL 2024 standings, now have a break of five days before they take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.