IPL 2019: Dean Jones Compares 17-year-old Riyan Parag With AB de Villiers

The 17-year-old Riyan Parag has been the find in the ongoing season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Although Rajasthan Royals had a dismal run in the tournament, Parag stood out coming into the playing XI. And now, former Australia cricketer Dean Jones has compared him to the legendary South African batsman AB de Villiers.

Rajasthan Royals mainly struggled due to a wobbly middle order and their poor effort with the ball. Playing in the last seven games, Parag provided stability in the middle-order, and in the process, earned praise from the legends of the game. In the seven matches, Riyan Parag has scored 162 runs and picked two wickets. He scored runs at an average of 32 including a half-century. Parag also became the youngest batsmen to score an IPL fifty.

Dean Jones, who is currently in India working as a commentator in the IPL hailed Riyan Parag. The former Aussies said that Parad is good all over the wicket and can play both in backfoot and frontfoot. Jones also praised Parag’s ability to get into the position of the delivery very quickly.

“I think Riyan Parag is an absolute potential superstar. I reckon he plays amazing shots to all parts of the ground. He is just 17 years of age; can you believe it? He has amazing stroke play and is good on the back foot and front foot, he’s good everywhere.

He has a knack for getting into the right position just as the ball is released. Just like AB de Villiers he gives himself access to the ball to hit it 360 degrees,” Jones said.

In conclusion, Dean Jones pointed out that he has a bit of problem while playing the pool or hook shot as he loses his balance. However, he sounded confident that with maturity and experience Parag will overcome that fallacy and will be a great servant for Indian cricket.