Former Australian spinner Brad Hogg has showered praise on Riyan Parag for his outstanding start in the ongoing Indian Premier League 2024 for Rajasthan Royals. Parag had failed to live up to the expectations in the last few seasons but he looks like a different batter altogether in the 17th edition of the IPL.

Parag took Assam to the semifinals of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, scoring 510 runs in 10 matches at an average of 85. The right-hander has carried the same form in IPL 2024, scoring 185 runs in four matches at an average of 92.50 and a blistering strike rate of 158.12.

Parag, who is known to give his 120% in the field, has looked in control in all situations and has played a key role in RR’s success as they have won all of their four matches.

“According to me, Rajasthan Royals are the best-balanced team in the tournament. I like the way how they have set their entire lineup. If Sandeep Sharma can get fully-fit as well, then he can add up as the sixth bowling option for them.

“And I am really liking when I am seeing young (Riyan) Parag. He is the youngest player to hit a fifty in the history of IPL. I love his energy and I love the way he fields. I think he has really matured this year. Last year, I guess he had a bit of a strut on him. I don’t say this disrespectfully but I think he had a bit of ego last year. The ego is still there but it is in control. He believes in himself and he is now more worried about what he can do for the team rather than trying to seal his place in the team,” Hogg told NDTV during the podcast.

Parag has looked confident at the crease and he has been given a specific role by head coach Kumar Sangakkara.

Rajasthan Royals will face Gujarat Titans at the Sawai Man Singh Stadium, Jaipur on Wednesday.