Rajasthan Royals skipper Steve Smith was all praises for young all-rounder Riyan Parag and under 19 sensation Yashasvi Jaiswal who is all set to feature in his first IPL in the upcoming season. Steve Smith who took over the captaincy reigns from Ajinkya Rahane mid-way in the last season was showering praise on these youngsters.
Assam lad Riyan Parag made his IPL debut last season and featured in 7 matches wherein he scored 160 runs which included a half-century as well. He had a decent strike-rate of 126.98, but his hard-hitting abilities down the order impressed the skipper a lot.
When he scored his maiden IPL fifty last season against Delhi Capitals and the Feroz Shah Kotla, he also became the youngest ever in the IPL to score a fifty.
Skipper Steve Smith was involved in a Facebook live session with spin consultant Ish Sodhi on the official handle of the franchise. This is what he said for the 17-year old;
“Young 17-year-old kid carrying around his teddy bears. He copped a bit but when he went out to play he did it with such freedom and even won a few games with his own bat. Pretty special, I could just see the joy on his face,”
He further added;
“He was bowling to MS Dhoni and almost got him out and just the smile on his face when he was bowling was so cool. We’ve been very lucky to have some good young players.”
The skipper was pretty much impressed and is excited to see what RR’s new prodigy Yashasvi Jaiswal has to offer. The left-handed opening batsman took 2019 Under 19 World Cup by storm and was the architect in India’s final appearance.
“Jaiswal, he was the top scorer at the U19s and looks a quality player. So, fingers crossed we can get over this year and see all that young talent close up again,” said Smith for Jasiwal.
He mustered the opposition bowlers at will and was the top scorer in the tournament. His abilities caught the eyes of Rajasthan Royal’s owners and they spent a hefty sum of Rs 2.40 Crore to acquire his services for this season.
Meanwhile, there is still no certainty whether IPL will take place this year owing to the current situation. BCCI will take the final call on the marquee event soon.