When it comes to being selected for the Indian squad, former cricketer Irfan Pathan believes that Riyan Parag’s all-around skill will keep him ahead of many of his peers. Irfan made these remarks following the Assam captain’s three-for against Sri Lanka in Saturday, July 27’s opening Twenty20 International at Pallekele.
In the just finished five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe, Parag made his debut on the international front. He has represented the Men in Blue in four T20Is thus far. With just 31 runs from three innings at an average of 10.33 and a strike rate of 93.94, the 22-year-old has not yet demonstrated his brilliance at the plate. But on July 27 against the Lankan Lions, he made a vital contribution with the ball, finishing with figures of 3/5 in just 1.2 overs.
“You’ll see that Riyan Parag’s bowling prowess will provide him plenty of opportunities. There aren’t many top-order batsmen in the nation who can roll their arm over. Rightfully so, Riyan Parag will have an advantage in this situation,” Pathan penned on his official ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) page.
You will see Riyan Parag getting many chances due to his bowling ability. As a top-order batsman, not many in the country have the ability to roll their arm over. This is where Riyan Parag will get an extra advantage, and rightly so.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) July 28, 2024
Behind the scenes, I bowl as much as I can: Riyan Parag
Following India’s 43-run victory over Sri Lanka, the BCCI released a video featuring the Guwahati native discussing his passion for bowling. Parag said that prior to the game, he had spoken with new head coach Gautam Gambhir about his plans to bowl at the end.
I adore playing bowling. Behind the scenes, I bowl as much as possible. There was a lot of communication about where and how to bowl at the nets. Gautam Sir and I had made arrangements for just such an occasion. Where must I bowl if I am bowling in the sixteenth and seventeenth overs and the wicket is spinning? “The ball was turning as well, and the boys made it easier for me to bowl stump to stump,” Parag stated in a video released by the BCCI.
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o host the second Twenty20 International. Sri Lanka has to win this match because a loss would give India another series victory with Charith Asalanka’s team.