Ravichandran Ashwin defends ex-RCB star’s 'PR machinery' rant on Riyan Parag with Ruturaj Gaikwad example

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes Riyan Parag still needs more time and experience batting in the middle order before being considered for India’s white-ball teams. Ashwin’s response came after ex-cricketer Shreevats Goswami criticized a fan for pushing Parag’s inclusion in the ODI squad.

Washington Sundar was promoted to No. 5 in the ongoing series. He has scored only 14 runs across two innings. The left-handed batter made 13 off 19 balls in Ranchi, followed by just 1 run in the second ODI. He conceded 28 runs in four overs in Raipur, raising concerns about his place and the clarity of his role in the team.

Stop Doing the PR - Shreevats Goswami on Riyan Parag Amid South Africa ODIs

Shreevats Goswami reacted to Riyan Parag’s inclusion in India’s ODI team, especially with Washington Sundar struggling for form. When a fan suggested Parag as a decent all-rounder, Goswami said that the Assam cricketer is nowhere near an ODI call-up and urged fans to “stop doing the PR.”

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

"Not sure where this Riyan Parag fan page has been activated all of a sudden. He is and should no where be close “ at the moment “ for a ODI call up ! So please .. STOP doing the PR," Goswami posted on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Not sure where this Riyan Parag fan page has been activated all of a sudden. He is and should no where be close “ at the moment “ for a ODI call up ! So please .. STOP doing the PR

— Shreevats goswami (@shreevats1) December 4, 2025

Parag made his ODI debut during Gautam Gambhir’s first series as India’s head coach on the Sri Lanka tour in 2024. He managed 15 runs and also took three wickets in his only appearance in the format.

Riyan Parag Hasn’t Batted at That Number for His Franchise or Assam - Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin said that Riyan Parag has the potential to become a future option, but added that he still needs more experience. Ashwin stated that India need a middle-order batter who can finish innings and bowl useful overs, something Parag has not done for Assam or Rajasthan Royals.

"Riyan is a fine fine talent, he does have runs and averages 41 in list A cricket. At the moment requirement is to come in at no 5 or 6, give the required thrust and fill in some overs, hence he won’t fit the bill because he hasn’t batted at that number for his franchisee or Assam. He started as a finisher for RR and that dint work, he succeeded as a good no 3/4," Ashwin posted on X.

Ok let me try this.

Riyan is a fine fine talent, he does have runs and averages 41 in list A cricket.

At the moment requirement is to come in at no 5 or 6, give the required thrust and fill in some overs, hence he won’t fit the bill because he hasn’t batted at that number for… https://t.co/wTGdgaN0Pd

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) December 5, 2025

Riyan Parag Needs to Show That Sort of Versatility - Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin stated that Ruturaj Gaikwad is adapting to an unfamiliar role. He said that Gaikwad has been batting at No. 4 for India despite limited experience in that position. Ashwin said that Riyan Parag must demonstrate similar adaptability if he hopes to fit into India’s middle-order plans.

"Ruturaj has now been given a chance at 4 and that seems out of position for some, but he has batted at 3 in the IPL over the last season or 2, which now looks like an effort to show how versatile he can be."

"Rutu’s instance could well be a case of communication from the selection front ( either coach, selector or anyone from the management ) or his decision. At this point of time Riyan needs to show that sort of versatility to be able to warrant a place at 5/6.Humble Submission.We can always agree to disagree," Ashwin added.

Also read: Marnus Labuschagne pulls off stunning catch to break Joe Root-Jofra Archer stand in Gabba Test