IPL 2024: Rajasthan Royals' Riyan Parag says RCB's Virat Kohli helped him to come out of a bad phase

Riyan Parag's remarkable IPL journey is a testament to the transformative power of mentorship. With timely guidance from Virat Kohli, the young cricketer has shifted his focus, turning heads with his on-field prowess

Riyan Parag, a young cricketer from Assam, has turned his fortunes around in this year's IPL, thanks in part to some timely advice from cricket star Virat Kohli. Initially, Parag was often in the spotlight for his outspoken nature on social media rather than his skills on the cricket field. However, a short but impactful conversation with Kohli has helped him shift his focus and improve his game significantly.

In his early days, Parag was criticised for being too vocal online, which detracted from his performance on the pitch. However, during his second season in the IPL, Parag found himself struggling and turned to Kohli for guidance. Speaking to JioCinema, Parag shared, "In my second year, I was having a bad phase in the IPL. I was discussing with him how to get out of that phase and how he used to handle similar situations, so I can learn from his experience as well."

Kohli generously took out 10-15 minutes to talk to Parag, sharing insights that proved to be a turning point for the young player. "He gave me a good 10-15 minutes of his time and shared a few things with me, I think that really helped me," Parag said.

This season, Parag's performances have been outstanding, putting him in contention for a spot in the Indian national team. His newfound focus and maturity on the field are evident, as he plays with a determination and skill that hint at a bright future ahead. This transformation can be attributed to Kohli's advice, which helped Parag navigate through a challenging phase in his career.

Kohli's willingness to mentor a young player like Parag not only speaks volumes about his character but also highlights the importance of experienced players supporting the next generation.