Riyan Parag : In a historic moment for Indian cricket, Riyan Parag has etched his name in the record books by becoming the first cricketer from Assam to represent India at the international level. The 22 year old all rounder made his debut against Zimbabwe in the first T20I of the series at Harare Sports Club, bringing pride and joy to his home state and cricket fans across the country.
Let’s have a look into more details: Riyan Parag
Riyan Parag’s journey to the Indian national team is a testament to his talent, dedication, and hard work. Born in Guwahati, Assam, Parag’s cricketing dreams were nurtured from a young age by his father, Parag Das, a former first-class cricketer who played for Assam. Parag’s cricketing roots run deep, and his family’s support has been instrumental in his rise to the top.
From U-19 World Cup to IPL Stardom
Parag first came into the national spotlight as a part of the Indian team that won the Under-19 World Cup in 2018. His impressive performances caught the attention of scouts, and he was soon picked up by the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Over the past few years, Parag has emerged as a key player for the Royals, known for his explosive batting and handy bowling.
His performance in the IPL 2024 season was particularly outstanding, where he scored 573 runs in 15 matches at a strike rate of 149.22, securing the Orange Cap for being the season’s highest run-scorer at one point. This consistent and explosive display was a significant factor in his selection for the Indian national squad.
A Historic Debut: Father and Son’s Dream Realized
Riyan Parag’s debut for India was made even more special by a heartwarming moment shared with his father. At the Harare Sports Club, Parag Das handed over the debut cap to his son, a scene that captured the essence of a shared dream realized. The emotional exchange was a poignant reminder of the journey both father and son had undertaken to reach this milestone.
The Debut Match
In his debut match, Parag’s outing with the bat was brief, scoring only 2 runs off 3 balls. Despite this, the significance of his debut was not diminished. It marked the beginning of a new chapter for Assamese cricket and set the stage for more opportunities to come.
The young Indian team, under the leadership of Shubman Gill, put up a spirited fight but narrowly lost to Zimbabwe by 13 runs in the opening match. Alongside Parag, two other promising talents, Dhruv Jurel and Abhishek Sharma, also made their debuts, reflecting the fresh wave of talent rising in Indian cricket.
The announcement of Parag’s debut was met with widespread celebrations in Assam. Social media was flooded with congratulatory messages from fans, fellow cricketers, and politicians. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal termed it a historic day for the state and expressed pride in Parag’s achievement.
The Assam Cricket Association also celebrated the milestone, stating, “A son’s dream takes flight, and a father’s heart swells with pride! Riyan Parag, you’ve made Assam proud!”
As Riyan Parag embarks on his international career, the expectations are high. His debut is not just a personal achievement but a source of inspiration for many young cricketers in Assam and across India. It highlights the potential of talent from the North-East region and opens doors for more players from this part of the country to dream big.
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FAQ
How old is Riyan Parag?
Riyan Parag is 22 years old
