IND vs IRE: Riyan Parag makes sensational comments on Virat Kohli ahead of India's T20 World Cup opener

Rajasthan Royals (RR) all-rounder Riyan Parag recalled his first encounter with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter Virat Kohli on the field. Riyan Parag stated that he first saw Virat Kohli walking onto the ground at Chinnaswamy Stadium during a match between the RCB team and the Royals in the IPL 2019.

Riyan Parag made his IPL debut in 2019 and showed promising performances. The right-handed batter scored 160 runs in his debut season at an average of 32 with a strike rate of 126.98. However, his form declined in the following season, where he managed only 86 runs in 12 matches at an average of 12.28.

Parag struggled to make an impact in the IPL until last season and faced significant criticism from fans. However, his fortunes changed following an outstanding performance in domestic cricket over the past year. The 22-year-old played to his full potential for the Royals in the recently concluded IPL season.

The young batter was promoted to No. 4 in the batting order in the IPL 2024 season. Parag scored 573 runs in 16 matches at an impressive average of 52.09 and a strike rate of 149.21. He smashed four half-centuries with the best score of 84*. He was the third leading run-scorer, behind Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad.

Suddenly Felt That Difference - Riyan Parag

In a video shared by The Bharat Army on X (formerly known as Twitter), Riyan Parag expressed admiration for Virat Kohli and highlighted the aura the former Indian skipper carries with him on the ground.

"What's your very first Virat Kohli moment?" the anchor asked.

"I'd always seen him that 183, but then you're seeing him once he walked onto the ground in Chinnaswamy Stadium. We're playing a five-over game. Actually, I bowled one over there; I don't know how. So him walking out in Chinnaswamy, everyone else walking out, I suddenly felt that difference that aura he brings with him in the field. I think that's where I knew him," Parag said.

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— The Bharat Army (@thebharatarmy) J<!---->u<!---->n<!---->e<!----> <!---->1<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->4

Virat Kohli was the leading run-getter in the IPL 2024 season. The right-handed batter scored 741 runs in 15 matches at an average of 61.75 and a strike rate of 154.69. He smashed one century and five fifties in the recent season. However, the former RCB skipper failed to guide his team to their maiden IPL trophy.

Virat Kohli will be next seen in action during the T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and the United States of America (USA). The former Indian skipper missed the only warm-up match against Bangladesh. The 35-year-old batter is set to return to the playing XI during the Indian team's World Cup opener.

The Delhi-born cricketer boasts an impressive record in T20 World Cups. He is the leading run-getter in the history of the T20 World Cups, scoring 1,141 runs in 25 innings at an average of 81.50 and a strike rate of 131.30. The ace batter has amassed 14 half-centuries, with his best score being an unbeaten 89 runs.

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