Cricketer Riyan Parag, who became the youngest player in the Indian Premier League to score a 50, has been highly praised by Rajasthan Royals General Manager of Cricket Operations Jake Lush McCrum for his mental strength.
McCrum, who visited the Assam Cricket Association (ACA) Stadium at Barsapara in Guwahati on May 18, expressed satisfaction at the facilities for probable IPL matches of their team.
“We will be happy to sign up Riyan in future with this year having performed so well in this season. I think what more impressive was his mental state in the middle than some of this batting and bowling performance. He was batting there with (MS) Dhoni behind in his first IPL match… I talked to (Steve) Smith and (Ben) Stokes after the match and they said to me that they knew as soon as he came out to the wicket, he had the mental strength. Along with batting, you got to be mentally tough and Riyan’s got that. That’s the reason Riyan performed so well,” McCrum told reporters in Guwahati.
McCrum further said that after the monsoon season is over, the players will have camps and development plans.
The 17-year-old Riyan, son of former Ranji cricketer Parag Das and former national level swimmer Mithu Barooah, set a new record by becoming the youngest player to hit 50 in the Indian Premier League. Prior to this, he has already represented India in the Under 19 world cup and also played for Assam in the Ranji Trophy.
McCrum expressed satisfaction at the facilities for probable IPL matches of their team.
After the inspection, McCrum told reporters that the infrastructure is fantastic and he is satisfied. But didn’t say anything if they would choose the ground.
“It’s amazing. The pitch quality is good. You have seen the matches against West Indies and Australia have been good. It’s certainly one of the top quality stadiums,” McCrum said.
ACA secretary Devajit Saikia said that they are highly hopeful that at least a couple of matches of the RR will be hosted in Barsapara stadium.
“We have been trying to get at least a few matches of the IPL here. We had great feedbacks but couldn’t host any. Let’s hope that Rajasthan Royals will play some matches here. With Riyan’s connection with the team makes the point stronger,” Saikia said.
Barsapara stadium has already hosted Australia in a T20 and West Indies in an ODI besides three T20 matches where India women played against English ladies.
