IPL 2024: 'Was in bed for 3 days, took painkillers' - RR star Riyan Parag after blistering 84* vs DC

Riyan Parag stood tall with a magnificent 84 not out in match 9 of the IPL 2024 edition, on Thursday (March 28), as Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan Royals (RR) beat Delhi Capitals (DC) by 12 runs at the Sawai Man Singh Stadium in Jaipur. Parag has coped up with severe criticism over the years ever since he debuted in IPL, for the Royals, in 2019 season. While he has had some success, he was always slammed for his inconsistency. However, he started the ongoing edition with 29-ball 43, versus Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), before smashing his highest IPL scoreon Thursday evening.

Speaking at the post-match presentation, Parag -- who wonthe Player-of-the-Match award for his blistering knock, laced with 7 fours and 6 sixes at 186.67 --recalled his struggles in the run-up to the game. The right-hander revealed that he was sick prior tothe game and had to take painkillers to play against Rishabh Pant & Co.

Parag said, "I’ve had to work very hard for the last three days. I was in bed, I was sick and I just got up today with painkillers, etc. and I could still manage today. So I'm really happy for myself."

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The 22-year-oldcredited his form in the domestic circuit for his brilliant start to IPL 2024.Parag added, "I know what my opinion is about myself, and no matter what anyone says I don't let that change. And that has never changed. Regardless of whether I'm performing or not, even if I got a zero today, that opinion was never going to change. I think that has a lot to do with the type of season I've had as well. I think you get a lot of confidence from getting runs in the domestic season."

Parag's knock has silenced his critics, at least for the time being. RR, who are now at the second spot with fourpoints, will face a winless Hardik Pandya-led Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on April 1 (Monday).