Riyan Parag didn't watch World Cup 2023? RR star mentions Virat Kohli in yet another shocking remark

Rajasthan Royals (RR) batting sensation Riyan Parag has been ruling the headlines since the start of the IPL 2024. However, the Assam star has been in the limelight for his explosive statements about the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 and his adoration for Virat Kohli these days.

Recently, Parag, expressing his frustration, said that he won’t watch a single match of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024, despite Team India being one of the hot favorites for the coveted title in the USA and Caribbean. He was not picked in India’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad despite his IPL 2024 heroics.

Before this, Parag admitted that he was in love with Indian batting superstar Kohli’s aura and his aggressive batting style. Now, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) all-rounder has yet again expressed his admiration for his idol, Kohli, with another surprising statement about the ODI World Cup 2023.

Riyan Parag watched only Virat Kohli bat in the ODI World Cup 2023

The 22-year-old batting sensation revealed that he didn’t even watch the whole ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. However, Parag said he watched only Kohli’s batting to study the Indian superstar's technique and mindset. Otherwise, he had no interest in the ODI World Cup 2023 as well.

Parag highlighted Kohli's ability to play risk-free cricket, and he was really impressed with how he rarely hits the ball in the air between the 10th and 40th overs of an ODI match. Parag emphasized Kohli's exceptional control and discipline at the crease to save his wicket and maintain composure, qualities that make him a role model for him and aspiring cricketers as well.

The Royals all-rounder also explained the strategic advantage Kohli capitalizes on during the middle overs in ODI cricket when only four fielders are allowed outside the boundary. This fielding restriction creates numerous gaps for scoring boundaries, and it tempts the batters to play risky shots, but Kohli opts for precision and placement.

Riyan Parag hails Virat Kohli’s discipline and technique in ODI Cricket

Parag marveled at Kohli's ability to consistently find gaps and score runs without taking unnecessary risks, which is proof of his focus and tactical acumen. Riyan Parag said on The Ranveer Show Podcast: “I just watched Virat Kohli's batting, that's it. I like learning from him. The way he goes about it. The way... You see him playing one day cricket, he doesn't hit one ball in the air. If he's from 10 to 40, he's just not. He just won't. It's like that risk of him getting out is zero. And he values his wicket. That's again, being in full control of yourself.

Because one day what happens, nowadays it's four people outside the boundary, right? From 11 to 39. Four people is very less. In T20s, it's five. Four in a ODI game is so many gaps. You chip it over mid-wicket, it's a four. You just sweep it very fine, it's a four. You go over cover, it's a four. So many temptations, but he just doesn't give in. That's so hard to do.”

Ques - Did you watch the whole ODI WC ?

Riyan - I've just watched Virat's batting cause i like learning from him. pic.twitter.com/PrrfdL8hGX

— Sohel. (@SohelVkf) June 3, 2024