IPL 2026: ‘Talk about cricket’ – Riyan Parag hits back at commentators over personal attacks

Rajasthan Royals skipper Riyan Parag has torn into ‘keyboard warriors’ and IPL commentators regarding the outside noise surrounding his performances after his team’s seven-wicket victory over the Lucknow Super Giants in Jaipur.

Parag has come under significant scrutiny for his form with the bat, scoring 258 runs at a strike rate of 151.76. He was also spotted vaping in the dressing room during a Royals game, an incident that drew a lot of attention to him. The Royals’ skipper stated that he is in a phase where he can distinguish between outside chatter and ensure it does not affect his game.

First, one thing I have understood now, you mentioned four years, that no matter what I do, people will talk. I have understood that much. Secondly, I have also understood that whatever talk is happening, it shouldn’t affect my game, my form, or my mindset. Because keyboard warriors-that is outside work, and it should be left outside. And as far as how much I think about my game or how much belief I have in my game, I feel that shouldn’t be overpowered by it,” Parag said, speaking in the post-match press conference.

“As far as whatever is going on in the IPL this year, a lot of things are happening outside. I feel this entire country loves cricket very much. We, as players, try to give our best whenever we go out, to perform for the crowd that has come and for the expectations they bring,” he added.

Parag was blunt in his criticism of IPL commentators, who he rebuked for commenting on topics related to a player outside the domain of the game.

“Players are working very hard. It’s very easy to say when a team gets all out for 75 or 80 that they don’t want to play or don’t know how to play. Before that game, there must be three or four days of preparation, and there is preparation on how to score 220 or 250, but sometimes it doesn’t happen. We are also human; mistakes happen from our side too,” Parag said.

“I feel, whatever is happening outside, especially commentators whose voices are reaching the people, I would just request them to love cricket, talk about cricket, and I feel a sport that is so important to a country, in which we are the best, I feel it should be treated with some respect and only cricket should be talked about, nothing else,” he asserted.

The Royals chased down a total of 221 with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi scoring a marvellous 38-ball 93. The win ensures they keep their playoff hopes alive and go into their final game against the Mumbai Indians with momentum on their side.

Parag missed the game due to a hamstring issue, but was named in the impact players list ahead of the match.

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