Riyan Parag, who recently made his ODI debut for India against Sri Lanka in Colombo on August 10, has been gaining attention both on and off the field. In a recent video shared by his IPL franchise, the Rajasthan Royals, Parag offered a glimpse into his mindset, describing himself as “mature, more driven, and sorted.”
The young cricketer has been with the Rajasthan Royals since the 2019 IPL season and has steadily grown into one of their key players. His 2024 IPL season was particularly noteworthy. Parag played in all 16 matches for the Sanju Samson-led side, amassing an impressive 573 runs at a strike rate of 149.21. His consistent performances made him the leading run-scorer for Rajasthan Royals and placed him third overall in the tournament. His contributions were crucial in helping the Royals secure a spot in the playoffs, finishing third in the league table.
How would you describe yourself? 👀💗 pic.twitter.com/fFRH9zVTed
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) August 10, 2024
Parag’s exceptional form did not go unnoticed by the national selectors, and he was included in India’s T20I squad for the five-match series against Zimbabwe in July. He made his international debut in the first T20I in Harare on July 6. However, his initial performances were a mixed bag—scoring just two runs in his debut innings and later contributing 22 runs in the fifth T20I after being dropped for the third and fourth matches.
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Despite these challenges, Parag’s potential and form earned him a spot in the T20I series against Sri Lanka and, notably, his first ODI call-up. In the opening T20I against Sri Lanka on July 27, Parag showcased his bowling prowess, taking three wickets for just five runs in 1.2 overs, helping India secure a victory in a high-scoring game.
Parag’s ODI debut came in the series decider against Sri Lanka, a momentous occasion marked by receiving his cap from cricket legend Virat Kohli. In this match, Parag bowled nine overs, claiming three wickets for 54 runs, a commendable performance that helped restrict Sri Lanka to 248 runs.
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However, despite his efforts, India was unable to chase down the target, falling short by 110 runs. As Parag continues to develop his international career, he is set to return to domestic cricket, where he will represent Assam in the upcoming season. With his all-round abilities, Parag aims to further impress and solidify his position as one of India’s rising cricket stars.
