Rajasthan Royals (RR) young batsman Riyan Parag has spoken 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 team.

Jos Buttler has left the team’s concentration to fulfill international commitments. RR’s first match will be part of England’s upcoming T20I series against Pakistan. Buttler will lead England in the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the United States.

The 33-year-old batsman 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 have backups for everyone – Riyan Parag

Speaking to the media at Guwahati’s Barsapara Stadium on Tuesday, Riyan Parag acknowledged Jos Buttler’s absence but mentioned Tom Kohler-Cadmore as a capable replacement.

“We’re a good team. We have backups for everyone. TKC (Tom Kohler-Cadmore) is our backup now and we’ve been practicing with him as well. “It was a big loss, but I think we’ll get over him. It was something we knew before season started and we will handle it well as we are a professional team,” Parag said.

The Sanju Samson-led team suffered defeats in its last three matches. They currently occupy second place in the table, having achieved 8 victories in 12 games. The Jaipur-based team needs to win at least one match to finish in the top two at the end of the league phase.

They have been very positive – Riyan Parag

Riyan Parag mentioned that the atmosphere in the team’s locker room remains positive and cheerful despite the recent losses. The young all-rounder stated that they have tried to learn from every small mistake in the last three defeats.

“They (the chats) have been very positive. We have tried to learn from every little mistake we have made in the last three games. We are also focusing on what we have done right. It’s not that we have done everything wrong. We lost the last three matches,” Parag added.

You can call me anytime – Riyan Parag

The 22-year-old cricketer shared his opinion 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 net bowling.

“Due to the Impact Player rule, six players can now play. You become the seventh option and that comes into play only when the main players are hit by runs,” Parag said.

“I have mixed feelings about it. I felt like I wasn’t getting enough opportunities but Sanju (Samson) bhai asked me to be ready so that I can be called at any time. That’s why I bowl in the nets before games too. “

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 take on Kolkata Knight Riders in their last league match at the same venue on May 19.

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