Riyan Parag becomes first male cricketer to achieve this historic milestone after India debut vs Zimbabwe

Riyan Parag finally made his much-awaited international debut in the first T20I between Zimbabwe and India. Parag's debut was highly anticipated since his strong showing in the IPL 2024 with the bat, where he finished as the third-highest run-getter of the tournament.

Parag was dismissed cheaply for just 2 runs in India's modest run-chase of 116. But despite a poor showing, he became the first player from his state Assam to achieve a historic milestone.

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Riyan Parag becomes the first male cricketer to achieve this feat

On Saturday (July 6), Riyan Parag became the first male cricketer from the Indian state of Assam to represent India in international cricket. Not just to play, but Parag also became the first ever player from Assam to be named in the Indian squad.

Before Riyan Parag, Assam's women's cricketer Uma Chetry had represented India in the ACC Under-23 Asia Cup tournament last year. Chetry is currently in India's women's squad for the ongoing T20I series against South Africa.

Riyan Parag tried to play an on-the-up drive to Zimbabwe's seamer Tendai Chatara but was beaten by the bounce as he gave a catch to mid-off. He will look to redeem himself in the second T20I to be played on Sunday (July 7) at the same ground.

Assam's Chief Minister and Assam Cricket Association congratulate Riyan Parag

Assam's Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal also took notice of the occasion and termed it as a historic day for the state.

"A historic day for Assam! Our very own @ParagRiyan makes his debut in the Indian Cricket Team as he plays his first T20I match for #TeamIndia against Zimbabwe at Harare. #RiyanParag becomes the first Assamese male cricketer to play for India. Proud moment; may be reach the pinnacle of sporting glory," Sonowal posted on X (formerly Twitter).

A historic day for Assam!

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Meanwhile, Assam Cricket Association also congratulated Riyan Parag for the historic achievement.

"A son's dream takes flight, and a father's heart swells with pride! Riyan Parag, you've made Assam proud! And what makes it even more special is receiving his Cap from the person who inspired him the most - his father!" Assam Cricket Association posted on X.

A son's dream takes flight, and a father's heart swells with pride! Riyan Parag, you've made Assam proud!

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— Assam Cricket Association (@assamcric) J<!---->u<!---->l<!---->y<!----> <!---->6<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->4

Along with Riyan Parag, Abhishek Sharma also made his international debut in the same match. But he got out cheaply as well. The left-hander was dismissed in the first over of India's innings for a duck.

Both Riyan Parag and Abhishek Sharma had breakthrough IPL seasons this year. Parag scored 573 runs in 14 innings at an average of 52.09 and a strike rate of 149.21 in IPL 2024. Meanwhile, Abhishek Sharma's stunning IPL form yielded him 484 runs in 16 innings at an average of 32.26 and a blistering strike rate of 204.21.