'RR captain' Riyan Parag declared a role model for youngsters by World Cup winner

Rajasthan Royals made a surprising move just a few days before the IPL by naming Riyan Parag as their captain for the first three matches. Parag was appointed for the role as the regular captain Sanju Samson is still recovering from a finger injury.

Former Rajasthan Royals fast bowler S Sreesanth is impressed with Riyan Parag's growth and labeled him as an inspiration for the upcoming generation. Sreesanth recalled how Parag has grown in stature over the years despite lots of ups and downs in his short career.

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Sreesanth backs Riyan Parag as RR captain

While speaking to India Today, S Sreesanth hailed Riyan Parag's immense growth as a player and as a leader. He backed Rajasthan Royals to do well under Parag's leadership and praised his mental strength.

“I haven’t seen much of him, but I think he did lead his state side in one of the matches against Kerala. So, I remember him doing well, and he’s been consistently doing well in first-class matches also. So I would love to see him and even though Sanju (Samson) isn’t playing, I’m sure he’s going to be there helping him out," Sreesanth reckoned.

"They’ve got a very good unit, and that unit will surely help him. I don’t see much difference just because Riyan Parag is leading. He’s got a great mindset. If you remember last year, he was one of the highest run-getters, and he did that consistently,” he added.

Parag will lead the Royals in the first three matches while Sanju Samson is likely to play as an impact player. Samson is likely to take back the captaincy duties after he gets fully fit.

Inspiration for youngsters - Sreesanth on Parag

Sreesanth also recalled how Parag turned things around last year with his exceptional batting performances. He lauded the youngster for making a comeback and getting the captaincy after so many setbacks.

“On the verge of getting dropped from the team, he came back and scored those 500 runs, so he will be looking forward. And he got that captaincy for his performance, and that is a great thing for all the youngsters who’re watching this league—that it doesn’t matter what’s your age and where you come from," the former India quick said.

"It all depends on your performance and consistent performance. No matter how bad the setbacks are, if you can bounce back and make a comeback. Riyan Parag has done that, so he’s a captain of the IPL team. All the best to him,” he noted.

Riyan Parag endured a really tough time in his initial years of the IPL. However, the youngster turned things around last season when he emerged as one of the top run-scorers in the tournament.

Riyan Parag's breakthrough IPL season

Parag scored 573 runs last season in 16 matches at an average of 52.09 and a strike rate of 149.21. The talented right-hander emerged as the third-highest run-scorer overall and the highest for his team.

After a tough few years, his time finally came in IPL 2024 after which he also made his international debut. Alongside being a capable middle-order batter, Parag is also a useful spin bowler in the middle overs.

Rajasthan Royals will open their IPL 2024 campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad in a day game on March 23. They finished third last season after losing to Sunrisers Hyderabad in Qualifier 2.