BCCI took to X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday (July 18) to announce India’s squad for the upcoming T20I and ODI series against Sri Lanka, and in both teams, Riyan Parag managed to find a place. The Assam-based cricketer made his T20I debut for India against Zimbabwe on July 6 in Harare. He was, however, able to score only two runs in the series opener.
After an average show in the three T20Is against the Sikandar Raza-led side, many believed that Parag might miss out on a place in the Indian team for the Sri Lankan tour, but to everyone’s surprise, he has not only managed to retain his place in the T20I team but also earned his maiden call-up for ODIs as well.
Parag’s selection over the likes of Abhishek Sharma and Ruturaj Gaikwad has raised a few eyebrows. Ahead of the start of the India-Sri Lanka series, here’s a look at three possible reasons why Riyan was included in India’s white-ball teams for the Sri Lanka tour:
Windfall IPL 2024 season: The 2024 season of the Indian Premier League was a memorable one for Parag. The 22-year-old cricketer played in all 16 matches for the Rajasthan Royals and scored 573 runs in 14 innings. He finished as the leading run scorer for the Sanju Samson-led side and third overall in the tournament. Due to his attacking batting in the middle order, Parag caught selectors attention and was rewarded with a place in India’s T20I team for the Zimbabwe tour.
The ability to bat in the middle order has worked for Parag, as there is less competition there.
Extra bowling option: In addition to his batting in the middle order, Parag can also contribute with his spin bowling, which is said to have played a role in his selection over the likes of Suryakumar Yadav in India’s ODI team for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka. The 22-year-old Parag has 50 wickets to his name in 49 List A matches, and he has dismissed 41 batters in 117 T20Is played so far.
2 good domestic seasons as a middle-order batter: While Parag made headlines for his super show with the bat in the IPL 2024, his good performances in domestic cricket for his state team, Assam, have also played a part in his selection. The former India U-19 World Cup winners scored 552 runs in nine matches of the 2022–23 Vijay Hazare Trophy and amassed a total of 510 runs in 10 matches of the 2023–24 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He maintained his red-hot form in the Ranji Trophy as well and scored 378 runs in four matches played last season.
Why has Samson missed out?
Sanju Samson scored a century (108) in his last ODI for India against South Africa on December 21, 2023, but was not picked for the upcoming three-match series against Sri Lanka. His absence from the squad was questioned by many former greats and experts of the game. Even though BCCI hasn’t given any formal reason why he was dropped, it is understood that the presence of two wicketkeeper-batters—Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul—played a part in his snub.
Surya dropped because…
Suryakumar Yadav was part of India’s 15-member ODI World Cup 2023 squad but has been dropped for the ODI series against Sri Lanka. His underwhelming record in the ODIs (773 runs in 37 matches) has reportedly played a part in his snub. According to a report in the Indian Express on Thursday, selectors have dropped him from the squad and are now looking at other options, especially those who can bowl, as it would lend them depth.
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