New Delhi: Riyan Parag launched a concerted defense of the players after Rajasthan Royals‘The seven-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants in Jaipur urges commentators and experts to stop personal criticism and focus on the game.The RR captain, who missed the match due to a hamstring problem and remained among the impact substitutes, said players often face unfair judgment from outside despite preparing for several days for every game. “We perform as per the expectations of the audience. So I think we all should love cricket and look at it the same way. The players are working very hard,” Parag said after the win. “It is very easy to say, if a team is all out for 75 or 80 runs, they do not know how to play or do not have the mentality to play. But there is 3-4 days of preparation before that match to ensure how we can score 200-250. But sometimes this does not happen.“‘Commentators should talk about cricket’Parag, who has often been in the headlines this season for reasons beyond his performances, including an off-field controversy, said criticism crosses the line when it becomes personal.He said in the post-match press conference, “We are also human beings and we also make mistakes. So, I think the more that is coming out, especially the commentators, their voices are reaching the people. I would request them to love cricket. Talk about cricket.”The 24-year-old player, who was recently named vice-captain of the India A team for the Sri Lanka tri-series, said the game deserves more respect from those who shape public opinion.“The game, which is the most important game in the country, and the one in which we are the best, should be treated with some respect. We should only talk about cricket.” We shouldn’t be talking about anything else,” he said.Parag said that he has learned to control external noise.Parag said, “In the last four years, I have understood one thing – no matter what I do, there will be conversations. I have also understood that whatever conversations are happening, it should not affect my game, my form or my mentality because keyboard warriors are outsiders.”

Riyan Parag Jai Ho Vaibhav Suryavanshi

Parag also gave special praise to 15-year-old opening batsman Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who scored 93 runs in 38 balls to chase down the target of 221 runs.“I think that was his best innings,” Parag said. “When he was on 5 at 10 or 11, there were always two ways to go. But he took his time. That first big shot from Mayank Yadav over cover gave me the satisfaction that he may be short, but he has a great understanding of the game.”