Riyan Parag set to be picked in T20I and ODI squads for Sri Lanka tour despite poor outings in Zimbabwe - Report

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selection committee is considering including young all-rounder Riyan Parag in the team for the upcoming Sri Lanka tour. Riyan Parag might be picked in the Indian team despite senior cricketers returning to the team after a brief break from international cricket.

Riyan Parag received his maiden call-up to the national team for the recent five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe. The Rajasthan Royals (RR) middle-order batter made his international debut during the first T20I match. The Shubman Gill-led team failed to chase down a 116-run target in Harare on July 6.

The young cricketer scored just two runs off three deliveries in the first T20I match. The right-handed batter didn't get a chance to bat in the second match before being dropped from the XI for the third T20I. He returned to the lineup for the fifth and final match of the series and scored 22 runs off 24 deliveries.

Riyan Parag To Replace Suryakumar Yadav In India's ODI Squad

However, the Indian Express reported that Riyan Parag will retain his place in the T20I squad for the upcoming three-match series in Sri Lanka. The Assam-born cricketer is also set to receive a call-up from the selectors for the ODI series. The selectors want to back Parag as he can contribute with his part-time bowling.

The report added that the selection committee is focusing on new talents for future squads, especially Parag, due to his all-round ability. Parag's inclusion suggests that Suryakumar Yadav might miss out on the ODI squad.

"The Indian Express understands that Rajasthan Royals middle-order batsman Riyan Parag has pushed his case for the Indian middle-order spot and is likely to get picked for the ODI and T20I side as well. The selection committee is trying new faces for the future and Parag, who could also bowl, is likely to get a berth in both the sides. Parag inclusion means Suryakumar won’t be part of the ODI squad and opener Yashasvi Jaiswal too will feature only in the T20I squad,” a report by Indian Express said.

Riyan Parag made his IPL debut for the Rajasthan Royals in 2019. The all-rounder scored 160 runs in his debut season at an average of 32 and a strike rate of 126.98. However, his performance declined in the following seasons. He then faced criticism for his inconsistency before bouncing back strongly in the recent IPL season.

During the IPL 2024 season, Parag scored 573 runs in 15 matches for the Rajasthan Royals at a strike rate nearing 150. He hit four half-centuries, with his best score of an 84*. Overall in his IPL career, Parag has amassed 1173 runs across 70 matches at an average of 24.44 and a strike rate of 135.14, including six half-centuries.

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