Riyan Parag made his format debut on Wednesday, August 7, during the third One-Day International against India and Sri Lanka. During the toss at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, captain Rohit Sharma revealed the inclusion of the Assam all-rounder in the playing XI.
Against Zimbabwe in a five-match Twenty20 International series last month, Riyan Parag made his debut for his country.
The right-handed hitter has now been given his ODI debut after being sidelined for the first few matches against Sri Lanka. Ahead of the third One-Day International, Parag’s idol, Virat Kohli, gave him his first ODI cap.
The BCCI released a touching video on Tuesday, whereby the 22-year-old made a speech in the dressing room upon learning that he would be making his ODI debut. This came only minutes after Rohit had announced Parag’s participation in the squad.
For a child from Assam to come here and play with players like you was deemed unfeasible and unrealistic. Growing up, I used to watch these players and looked up to them. That was my motto when I first started. However, my dad and I set out on a quest together, with my mom, to get here, and once we did, we would say, “Well, that’s something we’ve accomplished.” And the T20s were the venue.
Now, this was even more emotional for me since I saw individuals I had grown up watching, like Virat bhaiya and Rohit bhai. “And then, being here in person, rehearsing, entering, staying at the same hotel, and occupying the same rooms,” Parag stated in the footage.
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
This whole thing seems really strange. When I first got this, I phoned my mum, and she and my dad were with me on the video connection. Everyone was crying, and I remember it being such an emotional moment. It also felt incredibly surreal to be here, with you guys. The Rajasthan Royals cricket player continued, “Just feels amazing, so thank you so much.”
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Sri Lanka is leading the series 1-0, therefore the third and final ODI is crucial. The Island nation has the opportunity to win their first bilateral ODI series in 27 years against India.
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