IPL helps me to learn how to handle pressure: Riyan Parag

Our Sports Reporter

GUWAHATI: U-19 World Cup and IPL are small steps for him and his ultimate goal is to earn senior India cap, said new sensation of Indian Cricket Riyan Parag.

During an interaction with the media in his residence Riyan today said, “I am eying to represent India in senior category and I will try my best to achieve that goal. Now I will fully focus in the next domestic season. I need to perform well in the Ranji Trophy and other tournaments.”

The 17-year-old boy returned into the city last evening after completing his stint with Rajasthan Royals in this edition of the IPL. The young all-rounder got the opportunity to play seven matches in the tournament and scored 160 runs. During this process, he also became the youngest player in IPL to score a half-century.

Sharing his experience to play in the IPL as the second cricketer from Assam Riyan said, “I got the opportunity to share the dressing room with several great cricketers. It helped me to learn many new things and had boosted my level of confidence.”

Sharing his experience further Riyan said, “Plying with top class cricketers like Steve Smith, Ben Stokes, Ajinkya Rahane I have learnt how to handle the pressure. Before IPL it was unknown to me.”

Riyan also admitted that he didn’t expect to play so many matches in the first season of IPL. “Frankly speaking, I went to play in IPL with an aim to learn as much as possible so that those experiences can help my career. I am happy to contribute to my team”

He gave entire credits to his parents- Mithoo Barooah and Parag Das-along with coach Nabab Ali for reaching in today’s position. “It was their help and blessing that guided me to reach here,” said the hard hitter batsman.

Commenting on his Bihu dance after taking wicket and displaying Assamese gamocha in the IPL matches the young star said, “I wanted to display Assamese culture and tradition in the international platform.”

Meanwhile Mithoo Barooah, the mother of Riyan, today admitted the she was little bit scared when Riyan was hit by a delivery of Andre Russel during an IPL tie against KKR in Kolkata. “I know he is very brave boy but still I was scared when I saw the incident. However when he immediately got ready to face the next ball I was relieved.”

Also read: Local Sports