While all eyes are on Team India’s upcoming ODI World Cup campaign, uncapped all-rounder Riyan Parag is quietly making a name for himself in the domestic circuit with his incredible performances in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy. The 21-year-old from Assam has been in red-hot form, scoring seven consecutive half-centuries, including a match-winning 50* against Bengal in the pre-quarterfinals. This is a record-breaking feat in T20 cricket, and it has catapulted Parag into the spotlight.
Parag’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of meteoric. He made his First-Class debut for Assam at the age of 16 and his IPL debut for Rajasthan Royals at the age of 17. While he struggled to make a lasting impact in his early days, he has come into his own in recent years.
In the 2023 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, RiyanParag has been the standout performer for Assam. He has scored 490 runs in 8 matches at an average of 122.50 and a strike rate of 172.41. He is currently the leading run-scorer in the tournament and is miles ahead of the second-placed batter.
Seven consecutive T20 fifties and a place in SMAT QFs – Riyan Parag is unstoppable! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/pKmDvnNkws
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) October 31, 2023
Parag’s batting has been characterized by its audacity and fearlessness. He has not been afraid to take on the bowlers from the outset, and he has hit some breathtaking sixes in the tournament. He is also a very intelligent cricketer, and he is always looking for ways to rotate the strike and keep the scoreboard ticking.
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In addition to his batting, Riyan Parag has also been contributing with the ball. He has picked up 11 wickets in 8 matches at an average of 23.63 and an economy rate of 7.05. He is a handy off-spinner, and he has used his variations to good effect in the tournament.
Fifty celebration by Riyan Parag 🥵#SMAT2023 @ParagRiyan pic.twitter.com/VkGe2ARbRw
— iThunder (@HiPrsm) October 31, 2023
Parag’s all-round performances have helped Assam reach the quarterfinals of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. They are now one step away from qualifying for the knockout stage. If they can continue to play the way they have been playing, they will be a force to be reckoned with in the tournament.
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Riyan Parag’s performances have also caught the attention of the Indian selectors. He is now a strong contender for a place in the Indian team for the upcoming T20 World Cup in Australia. If he can continue to perform at a high level, he could be the next big star of Indian cricket.
Here is a more detailed analysis of Parag’s batting in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2023:
- Innings: 8
- Runs: 490
- Average: 122.50
- Strike rate: 172.41
- Half-centuries: 7
- Not outs: 4
- Highest score: 76*
Speaking at the post-match show in Mohali after defeating Bengal, Parag said distancing himself from the outside noise has helped him turn more mature as a cricketer. “I’ve become a lot calmer and more mature. Cutting off the outside noise that’s affected me the last two years. My pep talk before the game was to go out there and enjoy yourselves. It’s a young bunch of boys, it’s fun. Now we’ll dance and celebrate,” Riyan Parag said.
