After controversially saying 'won't watch World Cup,' Riyan Parag reacts to India's historic triumph

Riyan Parag seems to have developed a knack for creating controversies with bold comments. Every now and then, the youngster finds himself facing backlash from the fans for the same reason. 

He recently landed in hot water after saying that he won't be watching Team India's games in the recently-concluded ICC T20 World Cup 2024 only because he was not in the team. The outspoken youngster had said that while he wants to play in the World Cup, he does not like seeing the games. His comments had come after the selectors ignored him for the T20 World Cup even though he had performed well in the IPL.

Although the uncapped batsman was not really in contention for a spot in the World Cup squad, he might have fancied his chances after enjoying a breakthrough season in the IPL. After failing to live up to the expectations in the previous seasons of the IPL, the Assam star scored 573 runs with the help of 4 half-centuries in IPL 2024. He was the third-highest run-scorer in the competition.

"I'm actually not going to watch. I will only watch the final. I don't want to watch cricket anymore because I want to play the World Cup. I think it's a good feeling. I want to play the World Cup, play for the country," Riyan Parag had said during a chat on TRS Podcast.

Unsurprisingly, the Rajasthan Royals star had faced severe criticism from the fans for his comments. Some even went on to question his patriotism after his surprising comments. Former India pacer S Sreesanth had also criticised the young batter.

Riyan Parag reacts to India's triumph:

Team India went on to win the T20 World Cup last week. After years of hurt, the Men in Blue finally went all the way in an ICC competition and clinched the trophy. The Rohit Sharma-led side defeated South Africa by 7 runs in a thrilling final to win the T20 World Cup. India clinched the trophy after a long gap of 17 years.

With the entire country celebrating the monumental victory in the T20 World Cup, Riyan Parag has also reacted to India's triumph. In a video posted by the BCCI, he said that the World Cup will inspire and motivate youngsters across the nation.

"It's an inspiration for all of us, all the young players that are here in the team. To win a Cup, to win something that is this big in stature, it going to be motivating for all of us and all the youngsters that play cricket in India," said Riyan Parag.

Meanwhile, the batsman is currently in Zimbabwe for the upcoming five-match T20I series against the hosts. He has earned his maiden call-up from the Indian team and would be hoping to make his debut in the series. The selectors have named a youthful side for the series. Shubman Gill will be leading the team in the series that is scheduled to be played from July 6 to 14.