Watch: 'Gautam Gambhir, Rohit Sharma see something special in you' - Virat Kohli's motivational message to ODI debutant Riyan Parag

Senior batter India Virat Kohli came up with a motivational speech for Riyan Parag, who is making his debut for the national team in the ongoing third ODI against Sri Lanka National Cricket Team. He said that the Assam batter has the ability to be the match-winner for the team and the entire team believes in him.

Young Assam batter Riyan Parag is making his debut for the India National Cricket Team in the ongoing ODI against the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team. The team made two changes in the XI for the series decider, which is currently taking place at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

Riyan Parag replaced Arshdeep Singh in the team and all the hard work of all the years paid off for him. The young all-rounder has been grinding hard in the domestic circuit and is one of the most consistent batters, scoring runs with the bat and chipping in with the ball at crucial junctures.

Based on his sensational performances in domestic cricket and the IPL, Parag first made his T20I debut during the Zimbabwe tour. The all-rounder has now made his ODI debut, and the occasion got even better for him as he got the cap from his idol Virat Kohli.

Virat Kohli came up with great words for Riyan Parag before handing him the ODI cap. He, while congratulating the youngster, said that head coach Gautam Gambhir, skipper Rohit Sharma, and selectors all have seen something special in the young all-rounder. Speaking in a video posted by BCCI, he explained:

"Riyan firstly, congratulations for getting to play your first game for India. In today's cricket, we all know apart from performances, people who are responsible for you guys getting selected are watching you, and they see something special in you.

"And having spoken to GG Bhai, Rohit, selectors, everyone, they see something special in you. You have that ability to become a match-winner for India. I know you have that belief."

No better time to step in today - Virat Kohli to Riyan Parag

Virat Kohli further went on to say that the ongoing 3rd ODI against the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team is the best time for Parag to make his debut because the team is 1-0 down, and he has a great opportunity to make an impact for the team. He explained:

"I have known you for a while now. And we all have that belief in you. And no better time to step in today, one nil down, to start your international career with an impactful presence on the field, ball back, and fielding as well. I wish you all the best. Cap 252 Riyan Parag."

💬 💬 "You have the ability to be a match-winner for India."

Virat Kohli to Riyan Parag 🤝#TeamIndia | #SLvIND | @imVkohli | @ParagRiyan pic.twitter.com/JduLjSRCPr

— BCCI (@BCCI) August 7, 2024

The ODI series between India and Sri Lanka stays in favour of the Island nation currently. The first match between the teams ended in a draw, and then the hosts came up with a stellar performance to win the second game and go 1-0 up in the series.