Assam all-rounder Riyan Parag was the hero for Rajasthan as they beat Delhi by 12 runs at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur to extend their winning run in the 2024 season of the Indian Premier League. Rajasthan captain Sanju Samson heaped praise on Parag following his heroics in Jaipur, saying he could give Indian cricket something very special in the future. Parag scored his third IPL half-century to guide Rajasthan to a fighting total of 185 for 5 in the first innings. The home side then restricted Delhi to 173 for 5 to win the match by 12 runs.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Samson said there’s something really special that Parag can give to Indian cricket. Parag scored an unbeaten 84 off 45 balls, hitting seven boundaries and six maximums. This was Parag’s highest score in the IPL, which took him into the top-two run-scorers in IPL 2024. He only trails Heinrich Klaasen of Hyderabad (143 runs) in the race for the Orange Cap.
“Riyan has been a big name in the last 4-5 years. Whenever I go back to Kerala, everyone keeps asking me about him and it’s great to see him delivering for us. The season hasn’t begun yet. Hopefully, he will continue his form. There is something very special he can give to Indian cricket,” said Samson.
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Speaking about his call to use Avesh Khan for the final over against Delhi despite having the options of Trent Boult and Nandre Burger, Samson said he took the decision based what zones the players were in. Avesh bowled the last over and defended 17 runs, giving away just five to guide his side to a 12-run win.
“I think basically it’s about what zones the players are in at different times. At times, they are in different zones. Some days, they are calm and composed. You have to take the decisions looking at them. I felt Sandy was very calm and I went with him in the 19th over. Even Avesh was very calm in the last over,” Samson added.
Following their win over Delhi, Rajasthan will lock horns with Mumbai Indians on Monday, April 1. Meanwhile, Delhi will look to bounce back when they take on Chennai Super Kings on Sunday, March 31.
Source Agencies
