Aoba Tanaka 
Riyan Parag journey in IPL 2024 has been nothing short of remarkable, showcasing resilience and a remarkable turnaround in form. After enduring seasons of struggle, the Rajasthan Royals’ batsman has emerged as a beacon of consistency and excellence in this year’s tournament.
With 181 runs in just three innings, including two half-centuries, Parag currently holds the prestigious orange cap, a testament to his exceptional batting prowess. However, his success this season is not merely a stroke of luck but the result of relentless hard work and a commitment to simplicity.
In a recent interview, Riyan Parag revealed the key to his success – simplifying his approach to the game. “Before, when I was not getting runs, I would think about it too much, try and do different stuff altogether, and then it would not work out,” he confessed. “This year the goal was to keep it simple – watch the ball and hit the ball.”
Parag’s transformation didn’t happen overnight. Despite starting his IPL journey on a promising note in 2019, subsequent seasons saw him struggle to replicate his initial success. However, instead of succumbing to disappointment, Parag used these setbacks as fuel for improvement.
“I’ve had three-four years of not performing at all,” he acknowledged. “You really go back to the hotel room and think to yourself that when you know you can do something and it’s not coming, the performances are not coming, you get back to the drawing board.”
Determined to turn the tide, Parag dedicated himself to rigorous practice sessions, honing his skills and preparing for every scenario he might encounter on the field. His hard work paid off, translating into stellar performances not only in the IPL but also in domestic cricket, where he showcased his talent with impressive statistics.
For Parag, this season’s success is not just about individual accolades but also about repaying the faith shown in him by the team management over the years. “This year has been about keeping it simple and doing what I do best,” he affirmed.
As Parag continues to dazzle on the cricketing stage, his journey serves as a poignant reminder of the power of perseverance and self-belief in overcoming obstacles and achieving greatness. With each stroke of the bat, he inspires countless fans and aspiring cricketers, proving that with determination and hard work, anything is possible.
