RR vs PBKS: "Got backups for everyone" - Riyan Parag's bold verdict on Jos Buttler's exit from IPL 2024
Published - 15 May 2024, 04:23 PM | Updated - 15 May 2024, 04:24 PM
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Young Rajasthan Royals (RR) batter Riyan Parag opened up about the absence of opener Jos Buttler in the remaining matches of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Riyan Parag stated that they have backup options like Tom Kohler-Cadmore in the squad.
Jos Buttler has departed from the team's camp to fulfill international commitments. The RR opener will be part of England's upcoming T20I series against Pakistan. Buttler will lead England at the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA.
The 33-year-old batter had mixed outings with the bat in the ongoing tournament. Buttler scored 359 runs in 11 matches at an average of 39.89 and a strike rate of 140.78. He smashed two centuries with a best score of 107 against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
We've Got Backups For Everyone - Riyan Parag
Speaking to the media at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati on Tuesday, Riyan Parag acknowledged the absence of Jos Buttler but mentioned Tom Kohler-Cadmore as a capable replacement.
"We are a good side. We've got backups for everyone. TKC (Tom Kohler-Cadmore) is our backup now and we've been practising with him as well. "It was a big loss but I think we will deal with it. It was something that we knew before the season started and we will be handling it well since we are a professional side," Parag said.
The Sanju Samson-led team suffered losses in their last three matches. They are currently in second place in the table, having secured 8 wins out of 12 matches. The Jaipur-based team needs to win at least one match to finish in the top two at the end of the league stage.
They Have Been Very Positive - Riyan Parag
Riyan Parag mentioned that the team's dressing room atmosphere remains positive and lighthearted despite recent losses. The young all-rounder stated that they have tried to learn from every small mistake in the last three losses.
"They (the chats) have been very positive. We have tried to learn from every small mistake that we have made in the last three games. We are also focusing on what we have done well. It's not that we've done everything wrong to lose the last three games," Parag added.
I Can Be Called Upon Anytime - Riyan Parag
The 22-year-old cricketer shared his thoughts on the Impact Player rule. Parag stated that he has mixed feelings about his limited chances with the ball, stating that Sanju Samson encouraged him to stay prepared by practicing bowling in nets.
"Due to the Impact Player rule, six bowlers can play now. You become the seventh option and that comes to play only when the main bowlers get hit for runs," Parag stated.
"I have mixed feelings about it. I did feel I was not getting enough chances but Sanju (Samson) bhai has asked me to be ready so that I can be called upon anytime. Which is why I practice bowling in the nets before the games as well."
The Royals will take on the Punjab Kings in their next match at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Wednesday, May 15. The Sanju Samson-led team will face the Kolkata Knight Riders in their last league match at the same venue on May 19.
