Watch: Riyan Parag's heartwarming speech on his fairytale journey with Team India

Young Indian cricket team sensation Riyan Parag's journey from a small town in Assam to the international cricket stage is nothing short of a fairy tale. Growing up, the idea of playing alongside cricketing legends seemed like a distant dream for the young Parag, who had spent countless hours watching his idols on television.

The Assam all-rounder admitted that he never imagined he would one day share the same field, same hotel, and dressing room with his idols. Well, Parag embarked on a mission to make it to Team India with unwavering determination and support from his parents.

Riyan Parag shares his thoughts on his incredible journey to his ODI debut

Parag’s dream began to materialize when he made his T20I debut in Zimbabwe last month. It was a milestone that was the result of years of hard work and determination of the young batting sensation and his parents. Yet, the real emotional climax came when he was called up for his ODI debut in Sri Lanka.

Riyan Parag said in a video posted by the BCCI on X: “Coming from Assam, it was a term impossible, too far-fetched for a kid to come here and play with players like you, players I've watched when I was growing up, idolized when I was growing up. So that was the motto when I started, but then me and my dad made it a mission.

Me, my dad, and my mom, we were going to make it here, and once we do, then we will be like, okay, that's something we've accomplished. And it happened in the T20Is.”

The call-up to India’s ODI squad for the ongoing three-match ODI series in Sri Lanka was more than just a professional achievement, as it was a personal triumph for Parag and his family.

ODI call-up was even more emotional for me and my family: Parag

Parag revealed that the moment he broke the news to his parents, the emotions overflowed during the video call. Being in the same hotel, practicing alongside the players he once idolized, and living this dream was a surreal experience for Parag.

For the Rajasthan Royals (RR) star, every step of this journey has been marked by a sense of wonder and gratitude. He made his ODI debut in the third ODI against Sri Lanka at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo.

Parag has further said in his dressing room speech: “Now, this was even more emotional for me because I actually saw people who I watched growing up, and then now actually being here, practicing, going inside, sharing the same hotel, being in the same rooms, you know, all of this just feels very surreal.

And I called my mom when I first got this, and mom and dad were in the video call with me that I got in the ODI call-up, and everyone was crying, but then it was just a very emotional experience that I had and felt really surreal to be here and be with you guys; it just feels amazing, so thank you so much.”

Watch here Riyan Parag's speech:

A day before his Debut 🧢

The moment he was told he will play next day 👌👌

Riyan gave a heartwarming speech inside the dressing room 🤗

All heart 💙 here#TeamIndia | #SLvIND | @ParagRiyan pic.twitter.com/1i8pCiUgNb

— BCCI (@BCCI) August 7, 2024

Notably, Parag didn’t get the chance in the first two ODIs against Sri Lanka, but he found a place in India’s playing XI for the crucial third ODI at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo.

The first match of the ODI series ended in a tie, and then Sri Lanka won the second ODI by 32 runs. Now, India is aiming to avoid a rare bilateral series loss to the Islanders by winning the final ODI in Colombo on August 7.