Rajasthan Royals‘ fielding coach Dishant Yagnik has come out in support of his team’s youngster Riyan Parag who had a heated exchange with Harshal Patel during the IPL match against the Royal Challengers Bangalore last night. Parag scored 18 runs off the last over bowled by Patel in the first innings.
Soon after the innings ended, both players headed to their respective team’s dressing room. However, on their way back, Patel and Parag had an argument which soon turned into an ugly war of words. Eventually, players from both teams had to intervene and separate the two players.
At the end of the match, Riyan Parag tried to end the matter and went for a handshake with Harshal Patel. However, Patel declined and ignored Parag while shaking hands with other players of the Rajasthan Royals team.
Fans on social media were unhappy with the behavior of both players. While some felt Harshal Patel was wrong, the others opined that Parag’s attitude is not right. Rajasthan Royals’ fielding coach Dishant Yagnik clarified that Parag does not have any issues.
“Guys he is just 20 year old … so chill please and support him… he is very good kid With no “Attitude” at all !!” Yagnik tweeted after the match.
Guys he is just 20 year old … so chill please and support him… he is very good kid 👌💗 With no “Attitude” at all !! @ParagRiyan
— Dishant Yagnik (@Dishantyagnik77) April 26, 2022
The Royals kept faith in me over the years and I think this was my way of paying back: Riyan Parag
While Parag would like to forget what happened with Harshal Patel, he would not forget the knock that he played last night. When most of the RR batters failed to get going, Parag scored a fifty and helped his team finish with 144 runs on the board.
He was adjudged the Man of the Match for his knock. Here’s what Parag said at the post-match presentation:
“I feel satisfied. The Royals kept faith in me over the years and I think this was my way of paying back. I love pressure and love to show case my abilities in the tough situations. During the time-out, Sanga told me 140 would be a good total.”
