You have that ability to be a match-winner for India – Virat Kohli to Riyan Parag

India’s rookie batter Riyan Parag became the first player from Assam to play for the country in ODIs. Parag became India’s 256th player in the format and he was presented his maiden ODI cap by former skipper Virat Kohli.

Kohli shared words of praise for the youngster and said he has the ability to be a match-winner for the team. Meanwhile, Parag had impressed with the ball in a three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka. The off-spinner had returned with impressive figures of 3-5 in the opening T20I and had bowled economical spells in the next two games.

Parag was selected in the ODI squad after top-scoring in the Deodhar Trophy with 354 runs in five innings at an average of 88.50 while playing for East Zone.

Furthermore, Parag had a great run while playing for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2024, scoring 573 runs (third-highest in the tournament) in 14 innings at an average of 52.09 and a strike rate of 149.21.

“Riyan, firstly congratulations for getting to play your first game for India. In today’s cricket, we all know apart from performances, people who are responsible for you guys getting selected were watching you and they’ve seen something special in you. And having spoken to GG Bhai, selectors, Rohit and everyone, they see something special in you,” said Kohli in a video shared by BCCI.

“You have that ability to be a match-winner for India. I know you have that belief, I’ve known you for a while now and we all have that belief in you. No better time to step in today, 0-1 down, to start off your international career. With an impactful presence on the field ball bat and fielding as well, I wish you all the best. Cap 256, Riyan Parag.”

Meanwhile, Parag had a decent debut as he returned with figures of 3-54 in the nine overs he bowled. Parag accounted for top-scorer Avishka Fernando, in-form Dunith Wellalage, and Sri Lankan skipper Charith Asalanka.

Moreover, Parag got off the mark on the first ball he faced against Wellalage with a boundary. But he was dismissed after scoring 15 when he decided to leave the ball, which was going straight at his stumps.

India will next host Bangladesh for a two-match Test series.