I Tried Copying Smriti Mandhana But Didn’t Work Out – Riyan Parag
May 21, 2019 at 11:23 AM
Riyan Parag was one of the positive for the Indian cricket from the Indian Premier League 2019. Playing for Rajasthan Royals, the youngster showed what he is capable of doing for the team with his flamboyant striking. Meanwhile, he revealed that Smriti Mandhana is one of his idols.
Parag played a sensational knock against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens and also showed his skills in the home conditions. Though he couldn’t see his side to playoffs, he could be the primary member in the playing XI when the team starts their campaign in next year edition.
Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli are my idols:
Meanwhile, in an interview, Riyan Parag revealed that he has got quite a few idols, from whom, he takes inspiration. He added that his father is the first inspiration followed by Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. Riyan Parag also follows Smriti Mandhana, who smashes the bowlers with ease.
Riyan Parag revealed that he used to copy the style of Smriti Mandhana but failed to do so. Parag stated that he loves the way Mandhana hits the ball to the cover point with sheer dominance.
“My dad is one of them (idols). He has to be the first one. Then there’s Sachin sir and Virat Kohli. And in women’s cricket, I’ve followed Smriti Mandhana since she used to wear glasses and play with a BAS bat. I was really young then. I love the way she times the ball and caresses it through point. I’ve tried copying that as well but it didn’t work out,” Parag said on the sidelines Red Bull Campus Cricket event in Jaipur.
I hate batting in the nets:
Further, Riyan Parag went on to add saying that he never likes to bat in the closed nets. He feels that the environment doesn’t suit him and quoted that it feels like being locked in a closed room.
“I have learnt a lot from my first IPL stint. In IPL, you play with your idols and legends of the game. Just to share the dressing room was surreal. Actually, I hate batting in the nets. It’s just the closed environment. I feel someone has got a hold of me and I am like captured and locked. Even before the matches, I try to hit as many sixes as possible,” he added.
However, the seventeen-year-old had done brilliant enough for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2019 to make his name on the headlines. The youngster would find himself in the Indian National Cricket Team sooner than later if he performs in the same manner for his side.