Riyan Parag has earned a reputation for stepping up for his teams in clutch situations, but on Monday, the Rajasthan Royals batter showcased that his heroism isn’t always confined to the cricket field.
The 23-year-old batter took to Instagram and shared a heart-warming post, revealing that he has recently adopted a severely injured rescue dog named Janam, a Hindi name which translates to ‘being born’ in English.
Parag pledged to cover the full medical cost of the injured stray dog’s recovery in a heartfelt gesture that has struck a chord with fans and animal lovers across the country.
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While detailing Janam’s miraculous rescue, Parag credited animal activist Manavi Rai - whom he called a ‘true animal warrior’ - for saving the critically injured dog and nursing him back from the brink.
“Meet Janam. Born again on 21st July, and now, officially, my boy,” Riyan Parag wrote in a social media post. “In May 2025, Manavi got a midnight call about a critically injured dog. He was infested with maggots, insects had entered his nose, mouth, even his trachea and he was barely hanging on. Another week, and he wouldn’t have survived.
“But Manavi Rai, a true animal warrior, didn’t give up. She stepped in and became his lifeline. Today, Janam is slowly healing, he responds to his name, his eyes were saved, and he’s defying the odds every single day.
“It’ll take multiple surgeries, six more months of recovery, and constant care which is why I’ve adopted and fully sponsored his journey ahead.”
Parag also explained that while his demanding schedule won’t allow him to bring Janam home just yet, the dog will remain under dedicated care at the shelter throughout his recovery.
He went on to thank rescuer Manavi for saving the critically injured dog and for trusting him to be part of such an inspiring story.
Parag’s emotional off-field gesture that is now viral offers a rare and touching glimpse into the person behind the player, revealing a depth of compassion and humanity that extends well beyond boundaries and scoreboards.
