Riyan Parag celebrates with Suryakumar Yadav after India’s win in 1st T20I. (Picture Credit: AP)
Parag picked up three wickets for five runs in 1.2 overs to finish as the leading wicket-taker for India in the first T20I, which the Suryakumar Yadav-led side won by 43 runs.
Riyan Parag was preferred over the likes of Shivam Dube, Sanju Samson, and Washington Sundar to be part of India’s playing XI for the first T20I against Sri Lanka on Saturday (July 27), and the youngster proved his worth by picking up three wickets for five runs in 1.2 overs. He was introduced to the attack in the 17th over of the Sri Lankan innings, and on the fourth ball, he picked up his maiden wicket in international cricket in the form of Kamindu Mendis.
The Sri Lankan No. 4 batter was clean bowled by Parag, who made his T20I debut for India on July 6, 2024, against Zimbabwe. After impressing in his first over of the match, Parag bowled the final over of the run chase as well and dismissed Maheesh Theekshana and Dilshan Madushanka on the first two balls to seal India’s win by 43 runs.
Parag’s super show with the ball impressed Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav, who hailed the 22-year-old star by calling him an X-factor.
In a video shared by BCCI on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, Surya said, “Ye Riyan Parag special he ho sakta hai kyuki maine usko dekha hua hai pehle bhi, IPL mein bhi bowling daalte hue, nets mein bowling daalte hue aur maine PC mein bhi bola ki usme ek X-factor hai.”
Parag, who made his India debut after a super season with the bat in IPL 2024 for the Rajasthan Royals, said that he loves bowling and practices it as much as he can. The youngster revealed that he was prepared to bowl during the last phase of innings and had discussions with India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, about where to bowl.
“I love bowling. I bowl as much as I can behind the scenes. Nets mein bahut communication chal raha tha. Kaha bowling karna hai, kaise bowling karna hai. Aur ye stages ke liye actually preparations hui thi. Gautam (Gamhir) sir, ke sath bhi hui thi ki agar 16-17th over mei bowling aaya, wicket thoda ghoom raha hai toh kaha bowling karna hai.”
After winning the series opener by 43 runs, India will face the Charith Asalanka-led side in the second T20I on Sunday (July 28) again at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.