Indian batsman Robin Uthappa has backed the young Riyan Parag to fill in the big shoes of former skipper MS Dhoni. Parag has impressed with his power-hitting capabilities and Uthappa believes he could be India’s answer to be next MS Dhoni. It has been almost 10 months since Dhoni last played in the national colors.
Riyan Parag has impressed with his pyrotechnics and the youngster can hit the ground running. Parag has thus far played 13 First-Class matches in which he has scored 659 runs at 31.38 whereas he has scalped 14 wickets for his state team, Assam. The 18-year old has scored 541 runs in 24 List A matches at an average of 25.76 whereas he has snared 22 wickets.
Riyan Parag has impressed with his skills.
Meanwhile, Parag was part of the Under-19 World Cup-winning team in 2018 when he was only 16 years old. The right-hander has shown a big heart in the IPL as he has scored 160 runs in five innings whereas he has taken two wickets in seven matches. He had also become the youngest batsman to score a half-century in the IPL.
There is no doubt that Parag will get to learn more with experience and he is going to get better. However, he will need to improve his numbers while playing in the domestic circuit.
Uthappa noticed Parag’s skills while training with him in Rajasthan Royals camp before the lockdown and he was impressed by the prodigy.
“Currently, the young player which excites me out of my socks in Riyan Parag. I am extremely excited and he is the one to watch out for. I think he is someone who is looked after well and dealt well and nurtured well and will represent India for a very long time,” Uthappa said while talking to Cricfit.
“He could be India’s answer to the next MS Dhoni,” Uthappa added.
On the other hand, Steven Smith, the Rajasthan Royals skipper had also heaped praise on the youngster after his impressive performances in the IPL 2019. Smith predicted that Parag is going to have a great future.
Riyan Parag will look to improve his domestic numbers
“Parag was really impressive; I have been watching him in the nets and with the bat looks like a seasoned campaigner. He’s a great kid and has a great future, I hope I was as confident when I was 17. When you are young and come into a team you have a carefree attitude and kept playing his shots,” Smith had said of Parag.
Riyan Parag will look to keep improving his game and throw his hat in the ring for selection in the national side.