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'It's Always Been Virat Kohli...,' Riyan Parag Credits Indian Stalwart as Sole Inspiration 

image-lkuumrj8Riyan Parag has been in tremendous form in Deodhar Trophy 2023

Following an extraordinary performance in Deodhar Trophy 2023, Rajasthan Royals all-rounder, Riyan Parag has acknowledged Virat Kohli as his sole inspiration on the pitch because he finds him relatable and understandable.

Riyan Parag identifies Virat Kohli as his only batting inspiration

Parag's revelations came after his stunning 102 off 68 balls against West Zone. Together with Kumar Kushagra, Parag stitched a vital 150-run partnership that allowed East Zone to recover from a difficult 157/5 to a challenging 319/7 which eventually culminated in a thumping 157-run victory.

In the post-match interview with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Parag confessed that Kohli has always been his role model. He added that while there are numerous exceptional batsmen in their generation, Kohli stands out as a relatable and understandable figure for him.

"It's always been Virat Kohli. I don't look up to any other batsman although there are a lot of great batters in our generation. I just relate a lot to Virat Kohli and I have spoken to him," said Parag in a video posted on BCCI Domestic’s Twitter handle.




The 21-year-old further expressed admiration for Kohli's inputs which according to him, resonates deeply with his own approach to the game. The young cricketer also stated that he has had the privilege of conversing with Kohli on multiple occasions and he has cherished the valuable insights the veteran has offered.

" I speak with him often. He has just got a lot of input that I actually like and I can relate to that person. I like it when he says something, I understand it and he makes me understand it as well,” concluded the all-rounder.

Notably, the hundred against West Zone wasn't Parag's first match-winning knock in the tournament. 

Just four day ago, he had played a heroic knock of 131 against North Zone, rescuing his team from a dire 57/5, leading them to a robust 337/8, and clinching an 88-run win. 

With 259 runs at a prolific average of 86.33 in four matches, Parag is the fourth-highest run-getter in the tournament so far.