Riyan Parag Vows to Return to Indian Team Once Fully Fit Following ODI and T20I Exclusion

Riyan Parag, the promising all-rounder from India, has not represented the national team in over a year, attributing his absence to a shoulder injury rather than a decline in performance. After leading Assam to a 58-run victory against Vidarbha in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Parag expressed confidence in his abilities to contribute to both white-ball formats once he regains full fitness. Despite his struggles with the bat this season, he remains optimistic about his future in Indian cricket.

Riyan Parag’s Current Form and Injury Struggles

Riyan Parag has faced challenges this season, managing only 39 runs at an average of 7.80 in five matches as captain of Assam. He has not bowled a single over, which raises questions about his all-round capabilities. However, Parag remains unfazed by his current statistics. He reflected on his past experiences in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL), noting that he has encountered similar phases before. “I have been through these phases too many times,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of patience and resilience. Parag is keenly aware of the need to recover fully from his shoulder injury, which he believes has hindered his performance.

Parag’s Aspirations for International Cricket

Despite not being selected for the upcoming T20I series against South Africa, Parag is determined to return to the national setup. He last played for India in October 2024 during a T20I against Bangladesh and made his ODI debut earlier that same year against Sri Lanka. Parag’s confidence in his abilities remains strong, as he believes he can excel in both formats of the game. “Whenever I am fully fit, you will see me in India colours again,” he asserted. His recent performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy are part of his effort to regain form and prove his readiness for international competition.

Insights from Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin, a veteran spinner, recently weighed in on Parag’s potential role in the Indian ODI middle order. While acknowledging Parag’s talent and strong List A statistics, Ashwin pointed out that the young all-rounder needs to demonstrate his ability to play at the No. 5 or 6 positions and contribute with the ball. Ashwin’s comments highlight the importance of versatility in securing a spot on the national team. Parag’s current role in domestic cricket has not aligned with these expectations, which adds pressure as he seeks to adapt his game to meet the demands of international cricket.

Looking Ahead: Parag’s Future in Cricket

As Riyan Parag navigates his recovery and aims to improve his performance, he remains focused on his long-term goals. He has experienced both highs and lows in his cricketing journey, including a breakout IPL season in 2024, where he scored 573 runs at an impressive average. Parag understands the unpredictability of cricket, stating that past performances in domestic leagues do not always translate to success in the IPL. His commitment to regaining fitness and form is evident, and he is determined to seize any opportunity to represent India again. For now, his priority is to recover fully and prepare for the challenges ahead in his cricket career.


Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.

Follow Us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn

OV News Desk

The OV News Desk comprises a professional team of news writers and editors working round the clock to deliver timely updates on business, technology, policy, world affairs, sports and current events. The desk combines editorial judgment with journalistic integrity to ensure every story is accurate, fact-checked, and relevant. From market… More »
Back to top button