Gautam Gambhir to give Riyan Parag longer rope despite failures, claims Irfan Pathan and reveals reason

Former cricketer Irfan Pathan made stunning remarks on young all-rounder Riyan Parag following the first T20I of the ongoing three-match series between India and Sri Lanka. Irfan Pathan explained why Riyan Parag is getting many chances with the Indian team despite failing in the five-match series in Zimbabwe.

Riyan Parag's inclusion in the playing XI ignited an uproar as Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube were benched for the first T20I. Parag failed to make an impression with the bat, managing to score only seven runs off six deliveries. He was dismissed by Matheesha Pathirana in the 19th over of India's innings.

However, the 22-year-old delivered an impressive performance with the ball. The right-arm spinner came to bowl the 17th over in Sri Lanka's innings. He dismissed Kamindu Mendis, who scored 12 runs off 8 balls, as his maiden wicket. He picked up two wickets in the final over and finished with 3-5 off just 1.2 overs.

Riyan Parag Will Get An Extra Advantage - Irfan Pathan

Irfan Pathan highlighted that India lacks top-order batters who can also contribute with the ball in white-ball formats. The former all-rounder said that Riyan Parag will get many opportunities because of his bowling ability. Pathan emphasized that Parag justifies his inclusion in the team with his bowling.

"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," Pathan wrote on the microblogging platform X (formerly known as Twitter).

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

Riyan Parag has been good with the ball in domestic cricket. The young cricketer has taken 144 wickets across all formats for Assam (50 in first-class, 50 in List-A, and 44 in T20s). In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2023/24, he took 11 wickets in 10 games with an average of 24.54 and an economy rate of 7.29.

They Will Get Their Chances Regularly Too - Irfan Pathan

A fan questioned why Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Verma, who can also bowl, aren't given more chances. Pathan responded that both players will get regular opportunities. The former left-arm pacer said that he likes Abhishek and Tilak's skills and attitude on the field.

"What about Abhishek Sharma, tilak Verma both can bowl," the fan asked.

"They will get their chances regularly too. I Like their skill n attitude on the field," Pathan replied.

They will get their chances regularly too. I Like their skill n attitude on the field.

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) July 28, 2024

The Men in Blue successfully defended 213 runs to register the first victory in the series at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Saturday, July 27. Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel also took two wickets each. Mohammed Siraj and Ravi Bishnoi secured one wicket each while Hardik Pandya went wicketless.

The second T20I match between India and Sri Lanka will be played at the same venue on Sunday, July 28. The visiting team hopes to clinch the series victory, while the hosts want to level the series in the upcoming match.

Also read: Paras Mhambrey reveals team's discussions after Heinrich Klaasen's onslaught against Axar Patel in T20 World Cup 2024 final