Ravichandran Ashwin has thrown his weight behind Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag, calling him a “sweet, misunderstood kid” as fresh criticism continues to swirl around his conduct and performances in IPL 2024. Parag has taken on leadership responsibilities for RR this season, yet his animated on-field reactions and uneven batting returns have often left fans split on his temperament and impact.
Key takeaways
- Ravichandran Ashwin defended Riyan Parag, describing him as a “sweet, misunderstood kid.”
- Parag’s public image has faced another blow after an alleged vaping incident during a live match in the dressing room.
- The BCCI imposed a 25% fine on Parag for misconduct and for bringing the game into disrepute.
- Parag scored a fluent 90 against Delhi Capitals on Friday, helping Rajasthan push past the 200-run mark.
- Despite Parag’s knock, Rajasthan Royals still lost the match.
- In the post-match presentation, Parag said his focus is on winning points rather than responding to critics.
Ashwin backs Parag amid mounting scrutiny
As questions grow around Parag’s behaviour on and off the field, Ashwin—who has previously shared a dressing room with the Royals skipper—offered a supportive response. He acknowledged the noise around Parag but insisted that the young leader deserves a fairer view.
Ashwin’s comments came in the wake of renewed attention following an incident that allegedly saw Parag use a vape inside the dressing room during a match. The matter quickly picked up traction on social media, with supporters and critics debating whether such actions were acceptable in the IPL environment.
BCCI fine, then a captain’s innings
The board took formal notice of the episode and sanctioned Parag with a 25% fine, citing misconduct and stating that the conduct brought the game into disrepute. The controversy intensified the scrutiny around Parag, with fans questioning his discipline and professionalism.
However, Parag responded in the middle with an assertive display against Delhi Capitals on Friday. He struck a polished 90, bringing his batting back into focus and temporarily silencing concerns about his ability to deliver under pressure. While Rajasthan Royals fell short of turning the innings into a win, the knock played a key role in RR crossing the 200-run barrier in a high-scoring contest.
Parag’s praise cycle: Ashwin, social media reactions, and the skipper’s reply
Ashwin, impressed by Parag’s effort in a crucial phase of the match, praised the captain’s temperament and execution. After the game, he supported Parag’s role as a special player, highlighting the significance of his performance even in the team’s defeat.
Parag also added to the momentum through a post on X, writing: “Agree or not, Riyan Parag is a special player. He is letting his bat do all the talking today.”
One fan responded to the post with a sharper tone, pointing at Parag’s behaviour and confidence level on the field. The user praised Parag’s batting technique and leadership qualities, but suggested that he still needs to improve in consistency and show more politeness and humility.
The fan wrote on X: “Apart from his rude behaviour and over confidence, he seems to have all bases covered as a player. Good technique, good captaincy, attacking mindset. Just that he needs to find consistency and be more polite and humble.”
“Sweet, misunderstood kid” and “two points” mindset
In response to the criticism, Ashwin once again defended Parag by explaining that he understands him from time spent together in the dressing room. He reiterated the view that Parag is a “sweet misunderstood kid” and implied that the public narrative has been unfairly harsh.
After his 90, Parag addressed the controversy directly but kept his message focused on cricket. He said he does not feel the need to “answer his critics,” especially with regard to the vaping issue, and stressed that his priority is the outcome of matches.
Parag said at the post-match presentation: “I don’t think I need to answer any critics or anyone talking about it (vaping). But at the end of the day, my job is to get two points. So, my score and my innings don’t really matter if we lose the game.”
