Anubhav Katheria
Riyan Parag’s inclusion in both the T20 and ODI squad has been a topic
of discussion among cricket fans and experts. While some say that
Ruturaj Gaikwad was more deserving for a place in the squad for his
consistent exceptional performance in recent years and some say that
Parag is an all-rounder and has performed well in the Syed Mushtaq Ali
trophy and IPL 2024.
India is set to play 3 T20Is followed by 3 ODIs against Sri Lanka in
an Away series, it’s the first assignment of Gautam Gambhir as Head
Coach. India has already travelled to Sri Lanka to play the first T20
match on 27 July. The 21-year-old Parag has been called up in both the
squads however, reports claim that his selection in the team is due to
the injury of Tilak Verma, the left-handed batsmen. Tilak suffered an
injury to his left-hand during IPL 2024.
The fact that Riyan can play long innings and can stay at the wicket
has promoted his selection in the Indian team, his improved attitude
towards the sport has impressed selectors, adding to this he can also
bowl decently and is an excellent fielder. The selectors are aiming to
nurture him for the future, according to the sources.
Parag recently earned his maiden T20I cap in the recently concluded
T20 series against Zimbabwe. He only scored 25 runs in the 3 matches
that he played. Despite his poor performance in the series, he has
been included in both T20I and ODI squad, there were several reports
claiming that he was selected above Suryakumar Yadav in the ODI squad.
Riyan Parag had a phenomenal IPL season where he scored 573 runs and 4
half centuries. Since his debut in 2019, he scored 600 runs in
combined all seasons till 2023 and went on to score 573 runs alone in
one season.