There’s something about Riyan Parag that gets people talking; and not always in a favourable way.
Back in 2019, when he was picked up by Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, Assam was ecstatic. At just 17 years and 175 days old, he became the youngest player to score a half-century in IPL history. Fast forward to IPL 2025, and he was captaining Rajasthan Royals for the first three matches. Two of those games were played in his hometown, Guwahati. A proud moment, right?
ALSO READ: Opinion | Support Systems And Social Awareness Play Key Role In Overcoming Addiction
But somehow, Parag remains one of the most polarising figures in Indian cricket. People either love him or love to hate him—there’s no in-between.
Riyan Parag is confident; maybe, too confident for some. When asked about his thoughts on the last T20 World Cup semi-finalists, he coolly replied that he wasn’t even interested in watching the tournament because he wasn’t playing in it. "At some point, you'll have to take me, right?" he added. That’s not humility; that’s supreme self-belief. But confidence can be a double-edged sword.
For some, this attitude is refreshing. A young player with conviction in his abilities is always a good sign. But for many, it comes across as arrogance. They see it as misplaced overconfidence, especially since he still has a long way to go before becoming a constant in the Indian team.
Then came the bizarre moment when a fan ran onto the field to touch his feet during a match in Guwahati. Some called it a heartfelt tribute; others saw it as a scripted PR stunt. And then there were those who accused him of copying Virat Kohli with his tattoos, swagger, and aggression. It’s not like Kohli owns confidence, but many saw Parag’s attitude negatively, especially since he is yet to gather enough experience to be compared with legends like Kohli—it’s not for nothing he is called ‘King’, after all.
And it doesn’t stop there. Even when he played well, people seem to find a reason to dislike him. On March 30, against CSK, Parag took what many are calling one of the best catches in IPL history. Social media went wild. But instead of basking in the glory, he managed to draw criticism for his aggressive celebration. Once again, comparisons to Kohli were made, and the internet was divided between those who defended his passion and those who thought he was trying too hard to be someone he’s not yet.
If cricket had a controversy counter, Riyan Parag’s would be ticking fast. The latest incident? A video went viral showing him taking a selfie with a ground staff member in Guwahati—only to throw the phone back toward the group. Was it playful or disrespectful? From what the video showed, fans pointed out that it was rude, and soon, the criticism started pouring in.
So, what is it about Riyan Parag that triggers people? Is it his cocky confidence? His on-field antics? His expressions? Maybe it’s just that we aren’t used to seeing an Assamese cricketer in the IPL spotlight, leading a team, and doing it all with an attitude that doesn’t scream "small-town humility."
We love our athletes humble. We want them to say, "I will work hard and wait for my opportunity," not, "They’ll have to take me at some point." We want them to act grateful, not throw phones (intentionally or unintentionally). But Parag isn’t playing by these rules. And that’s what irks people.
So, the next time you roll your eyes at another Riyan Parag headline, ask yourself—do you actually dislike him? Or do you just love to hate him?
