Rajasthan Royals (RR) all-rounder Riyan Parag recalled his first meeting with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batsman Virat Kohli on the field. Riyan Parag stated that he first saw Virat Kohli walking on the ground at the Chinnaswamy Stadium during a match between the RCB team and the Royals in the IPL 2019.
Riyan Parag made his IPL debut in 2019 and showed promising performances. The right-handed batsman scored 160 runs in his debut season at an average of 32 with a strike rate of 126.98. However, his form declined in the following season, where he managed only 86 runs in 12 matches at an average of 12.28.
Parag struggled to make an impact in the IPL until last season and faced significant criticism from fans. However, his luck changed after an outstanding performance in domestic cricket over the past year. The 22-year-old played to his full potential for the Royals in the recently concluded IPL season.
The young batsman rose to the number 4 spot in the batting order in the IPL 2024 season. Parag scored 573 runs in 16 matches at an impressive average of 52.09 and a strike rate of 149.21. He smashed four half-centuries with a best score of 84*. He was the third highest scorer, behind Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad.
Suddenly I felt that difference – Riyan Parag
In a video shared by The Bharat Army on
“What’s your first Virat Kohli moment?” the presenter asked.
“I had always seen him at that 183, but then you are seeing him once he walked on the field at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. We are playing a five-over game. I actually bowled one there; I don’t know. “When he came out to Chinnaswamy and everyone else came out, suddenly I felt that difference that that aura brings with it on the field. “I think that’s where I met him.” Parag said.
🗣️”No one matches the aura in Virat’s camp.” #RYoandtonorthPtortogram #t20W.ohrIdcyoup #tmytometerYonorthdYoto #bhtortotTOrmeterand pYoc.twYottmyr.cohmeter/xmytkhnorth1GRAMohk
– The Bharat Army (@thebharatarmy) jyounorthmy 1, 2024
Virat Kohli was the leading run-getter in the IPL 2024 season. The right-handed batsman scored 741 runs in 15 matches at an average of 61.75 and a strike rate of 154.69. He smashed one century and five fifties in the last season. However, the former RCB captain failed to guide his team to its first IPL trophy.
Virat Kohli will next be seen in action during the T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and the United States of America (USA). The former Indian captain missed the only warm-up match against Bangladesh. The 35-year-old batsman will return to the playing XI during the Indian team’s first World Cup match.
The Delhi-born cricketer has an impressive record in T20 World Cups. He is the leading run-getter in the history of T20 World Cups, scoring 1,141 runs in 25 innings at an average of 81.50 and a strike rate of 131.30. The ace batsman has racked up 14 half-centuries, with his best score being 89 unbeaten runs.
Also Read: Watch: Aaron Jones smashes a 103-metre six in T20 World Cup opener against Canada