In his comments on the ongoing controversy over Riyan Parag’s inclusion in India’s ODI team, former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin acknowledged that the young batsman might have to wait for his chance. After former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) player Shreevats Goswami said that Parag didn’t deserve a spot in the ODI squad, the conversation blew up on social media.
Ashwin gave an explanation for Riyan Parag present exclusion and outlined the skills the young player must develop to earn a spot in the starting lineup. Ashwin noted that although Riyan Parag has an impressive List A batting average, his place in the ODI setup would probably be at No. 5 or No. 6, which he has not held in either the IPL or domestic cricket.
Ashwin used Ruturaj Gaikwad, who was recently assigned to bat at No. 4 in the current ODI series against South Africa—a position he has never played before—as an example to bolster his claim. This move, according to Ashwin, was meant to highlight Gaikwad’s versatility. In a similar vein, he said that if Riyan Parag wants to earn a berth in India’s ODI team, he needs to show flexibility and middle-order skills.
“Riyan Parag is a very talented player; in list A cricket, he averages 41 runs.
He won’t fit the description since he hasn’t batted at number five or six for his franchisee or Assam. Currently, the requirement is to come in at that number, deliver the necessary push, and fill in a few overs. He began as a finisher for RR, but that didn’t work; instead, he became a good no 3/4. Riyan Parag needs to demonstrate that kind of adaptability right now in order to be eligible for a spot at 5/6,” Ashwin wrote on X.
Ok let me try this.
Riyan is a fine fine talent, he does have runs and averages 41 in list A cricket.
At the moment requirement is to come in at no 5 or 6, give the required thrust and fill in some overs, hence he won’t fit the bill because he hasn’t batted at that number for… https://t.co/wTGdgaN0Pd
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) December 5, 2025
Riyan Parag has only participated in one ODI thus far, which took place in August 2024 against Sri Lanka. With 15 runs and three wickets in his debut, the all-rounder had a respectable showing. The battle for spin-bowling all-rounders in India’s ODI setup is fierce right now, notwithstanding Parag’s impressive performances in List A cricket. This makes it challenging for Parag to break into the side at this point, especially in light of Ashwin’s positioning worries.
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