IPL 2019: Dean Jones Says Riyan Parag will be a Future Superstar for India, Compares Him with AB de Villiers

May 7, 2019 at 10:01 AM

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IPL 2019: Dean Jones Says Riyan Parag will be a Future Superstar for India, Compares Him with AB de Villiers

There is certainly no doubt about the fact that 17-year-old Riyan Parag has been the find of the tournament for Rajasthan Royals. Despite not managing to make it through to the playoffs, the emergence of Riyan Parag will surely keep RR in good stead for the 2020 tournament. He is also the 2nd player from Assam to play in the Indian Premier League after Abu Nechim Ahmed.

Riyan Parag became a household name after his sensational knock of 43 runs which came against the Mumbai Indians earlier in the season. Parag was in line to become the youngest half-centurion in IPL cricket. Before missing twice, he finally achieved the feat against the Delhi Capitals. Ever since getting an opportunity for RR, the teenager has looked impressive.

Riyan Parag has earned accolades across the globe and from fans as well. Former Australia cricketer Dean Jones was highly impressed with the teenager and compared his abilities with South Africa superstar AB de Villiers. He stated that to have a huge repertoire of shots at such a tender age of 17 needs some special talent.

Dean Jones, India vs Australia 2019
Dean Jones is bit concerned about Australia. Photo Credit: Getty Images.

“I think Riyan Parag is an absolute potential superstar. I reckon he plays amazing shots to all parts of the ground. He is just 17 years of age; can you believe it? He has amazing stroke play and is good on the back foot and front foot, he’s good everywhere. He has a knack for getting into the right position just as the ball is released. Just like AB de Villers, he gives himself access to the ball to hit it 360 degrees,” Dean Jones was quoted as saying during the Star Sports Select Dugout Show.

Dean Jones did find out a flaw with Parag and his ability to play the short ball. However, the former Australian batter is quite confident that in further time he will be a superstar in Indian cricket. He is also a useful leg spinner and can give his captain some crucial overs in the middle.

“There is one little issue I think at 17 years of age and that is bowling the short ball to him. AB De Villers gets back and across his position, goes back and swivels on top of the ball or if he wants he goes high. Every time Riyan has played the hook shot or the pull shot his hands go up and he finishes with no balance.

Rajasthan Royals, Riyan Parag, IPL 2019
Photo Credit: BCCI/IPL.

But, he is just 17 and I haven’t seen a kid like him in a long time. He I think could be an absolute superstar if handled in the right way,” he said.

“He has promised at a very young age. He just looks very cool, calm and collective. What I also love about him is that he is a momentum player, he can break the momentum of a game. Those guys you can’t make, they are born,” Dean Jones concluded.

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