Former India cricketer turned commentator Aakash Chopra has slammed reputed media house for reaching a 'new low in click bait journalism after an article carried a headline which said that Riyan Parag paid ₹10,000 to a fan for touching his feet during the IPL 2025 match between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati.
Chopra while sharing the screenshot of the same on social media wrote, "Stumbled upon this article…Headline is explosive, obviously. But there’s nothing mentioned in the article about how they figured out that Riyan paid a fan to touch his feet. NOTHING at all. In the world of click-bait journalism, this is a new low. And this is mainstream media, btw."
Riyan Parag thanks fans for warn reception
During the toss, Parag received a warm and enthusiastic welcome from the local crowd. As soon as he grabbed the microphone against the Knight Riders, the fans erupted in loud applause for their homegrown hero. In response, Parag expressed his gratitude, telling the fans that he felt "humbled" to be leading the IPL team in front of them.
“Very proud, very humbled to be leading a franchise like this. I started when I was 17 years old. The management has shown faith in me, it's something I can't really put in words,” Parag said.
Whats next for Riyan Parag?
Riyan Parag will be under immense pressure as Rajasthan Royals next face Chennai Super Kings in their thrid match of the season to open their account in IPL 2025.
RR's regular skipper Samson is yet to be cleared completely fit, and has been advised not to undertake wicketkeeping duties. The Royals hence used Samson as their Impact Player in the first two matches of the season. In Samson's absence behind the stumps, Dhruv Jurel is keeping the wickets for the side.
