The classic teenage sensation has won hearts for his batting brilliance. After fetching 20 lakh from Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Rajasthan Royals (RR) during the IPL Players’ Auction, Parag has further warmed the bench for most of the matches in the ongoing IPL 2019 season. He has recently opened up about his helicopter shot against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
The 17-year-old right-handed batsman Parag, who has maintained the level-headedness played some vital knocks for Royals. The team has struggled overall in results, but the youngster’s instincts have boosted their confidence in a nutshell.
Parag, who’s a four-match old in the IPL, has contributed to his team on each of the occasions. In the recently-held game against KKR, Parag slammed 47 off 31 balls with the help of five fours and two sixes.
Thus, in the end, the pyrotechnics from Jofra Archer saw Royals home by three wickets. He scored 27 off just 12 deliveries.
Talented Parag has helped his team against Mumbai Indians (MI) before setting up the ante against KKR at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
Parag has opted for a helicopter stroke against Yarra Prithviraj, who’s the left arm seamer and represents KKR in season 12 of the IPL.
With helicopter shot seen as a trademark shot of veteran MS Dhoni, Parag maintained it came intuitively.
Parag added that he has had played the same shot in domestic games as well. He made it clear that there was no inspiration in such.
“There is no inspiration behind that, I have played that before in state matches as well. I was waiting for a short ball, he bowled a length ball and I just went for it,” he said. “There wasn’t any inspiration, or I hadn’t even practised for the shot. Just came instinctively,” Parag told IPL digital in his interview with teammate Varun Aaron.
Interestingly, his dismissal unfolded in a unique when he lost his balance while opting for a pull shot. Well, in that process he has dislodged the bails with his bat.
“As soon as I hit the shot, I hit the bail with my bat and I knew I was out so I kept on walking. We (Archer and him) were talking just very positive things. And I was very confident on Archer finishing it and he did it in style,” Parag inferred.
Besides, Royals skipper Steven Smith has praised the efforts of the young lad. So far, Parag has accumulated 110 runs in four innings at an average of 27.50. His score runs at the strike-rate of 142.86.