NEW DELHI: Riyan Parag launched a pointed defence of players after Rajasthan Royals’ seven-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants in Jaipur, urging commentators and experts to stop personal criticism and focus on the game itself.The RR skipper, who missed the match due to a hamstring issue and remained among the impact substitutes, said players often face unfair judgment from outside despite putting in days of preparation for every game. “We perform according to the expectations of the crowd. So, I feel, we should all love cricket and look at it in the same way. Players are working very hard,” Parag said after the win. “It is very easy to say, if a team gets all out for 75 or 80 runs, that they do not know how to play or have the mindset to play. But before that game, there is 3-4 days’ preparation to ensure how we can score 200-250. But sometimes it doesn’t happen.”‘Commentators should talk about cricket’Parag, who has often found himself in the spotlight for reasons beyond his performances this season, including an off-field controversy, said criticism crosses the line when it turns personal.“We are humans too and we make mistakes too. So, I feel, as much as it is happening outside, especially the commentators, their voices are reaching out to the people. I would request them to love cricket. Talk about cricket,” he said in the post-match press conference.The 24-year-old, recently named vice-captain of the India A squad for the Sri Lanka tri-series, said the sport deserves more respect from those who shape public opinion.“The sport, which is the country’s most important sport, and in which we are the best, should be treated with a little respect. We should only talk about cricket. We should not talk about anything else,” he said.Parag added that he has learned to tune out outside noise.“I have understood one thing in the last four years — no matter what I do, there will be talks. I have also understood that whatever talks are happening, it shouldn’t affect my game, my form or my mindset because keyboard warriors are outsiders,” Parag added.

Riyan Parag hails Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Parag also reserved special praise for 15-year-old opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who smashed 93 off 38 balls to anchor the chase of 221.“I think this was his best innings,” Parag said. “When he was 5 off 10 or 11, there is always two ways to go. But he took his time. That first big shot off Mayank Yadav over covers gave me satisfaction that he may be small, but he has a larger understanding of the game.”