Is Riyan Parag next Suryakumar Yadav? Shane Bond makes sensational comparison

Rajasthan Royals bowling coach Shane Bond heaped praise on Riyan Parag after his stunning batting show in the MI vs RR clash. Shane Bond also said Riyan Parag reminds him of Mumbai Indians batting legend Suryakumar Yadav.

Suryakumar Yadav is currently absent from IPL 2024 due to an injury. The Mumbai Indians batter is expected to be back in the squad later. With 4 international centuries and a strike rate of 171+ in 60 T20I games, Suryakumar Yadav is dubbed as one of the most dangerous batters in the shortest format.

Riyan Parag played a crucial knock for Rajasthan Royals during a low chase vs Mumbai Indians on Monday, April 1. As Rajasthan Royals lost three top key batters cheaply, Parag played a patient knock of unbeaten 54 runs to drive the team to victory.

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Riyan Parag reminds me a little bit of Suryakumar Yadav: Shane Bond

Rajasthan Royals (RR) bowling coach Shane Bond was full of praises for Riyal Parag after his knock. He said the young batter reminds him of Suryakumar Yadav.

“He sort of reminds me a little bit of Surya [Suryakumar], who came to Mumbai a few years ago. He looks like that – he has got extreme talent. He has just matured as a cricketer, even though he is only 22,” the former New Zealand pacer said.

Shane Bond also highlighted that most of the finishers in IPL teams are experienced guys. However, Riyan Parag is different as he is just 22 years old.

“Riyan started so young, you forget that he was 17 or something, playing in one of the toughest spots in a batting line-up: No. 6. You look at the characters who finish games around the IPL, they are generally pretty experienced guys. The Tim Davids, the David Millers… these are high-quality players who play international cricket”, Bond further said.

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RR investment reaping result: Shane Bond

Shane Bond, who also played in IPL 2010 for Kolkata Knight Riders, feels RR’s investment in Parag is reaping good benefits.

“Riyan had been tasked with that for a number of years. He is still a very young man, but he has got this wealth of experience behind him now. We are getting the best of him. The investment that RR have made of him, it’s starting to reap the rewards. It is pretty exciting what he could offer for the rest of the season for us,” Bond concluded.

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Riyan Parag owns an orange cap after 3 games

Meanwhile, Riyan Parag has been astonishing in all games of IPL 2024. The right-handed batsman slammed 43 vs LSG, unbeaten 84* vs Delhi Capitals, and 54* not-out vs Mumbai Indians. With 181 runs in 3 matches, Parag is the leading run-getter in IPL 2024 currently. He owns a brilliant average of 181+ and a strike rate of 160+.

The Assam player will be next seen against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Rajasthan Royals take on RCB in their next encounter of IPL 2024 on Saturday, April 6. The match takes place at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.