Today marks a red-letter day in the history of cricket for Assam and the entire Northeast region of India, as Riyan Parag becomes the first cricketer from Assam to be selected for the Indian national team. The young sensation has been included in the squad for the five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe, scheduled from July 6 to 14, 2024. This achievement is not only a personal milestone for Riyan but also a historic moment for the state and the entire Northeast.
A Sports Legacy of Riyan Parag
Riyan Parag hails from a distinguished sports family. His father, Parag Das, is a former first-class cricketer, and his mother, Mithoo Barooah, is a former national record-holding swimmer who represented India in the Asian Championships and SAF Games. This rich sports heritage has clearly influenced Riyan’s journey, shaping him into the cricketer he is today.
Speaking with The Sentinel, Parag Das expressed his immense pride and joy, saying, “We were waiting for this day. Riyan has been working very hard since the early part of his career, and with his growing age, we are witnessing a transformed Riyan. I look forward to seeing him contribute runs for the country.” When asked about Riyan’s reaction to his selection, Parag Das shared, “He looks very cool. The reaction was very simple: ‘Deuta, pai golu (Dad, I got a call from the Indian team).'”
Rising Through the Ranks
Riyan Parag first garnered attention as an Under-19 player during India’s 2017 tour of England, where Riyan Parag played alongside future stars like Shubman Gill and Prithvi Shaw. His impressive performance included three fifties in four innings during the four-day matches. As a member of the Under-19 World Cup-winning team in 2018, Riyan further cemented his reputation as a promising talent.
His professional debut came when the Rajasthan Royals signed him ahead of the 2019 IPL season. Although he faced a challenging period in the IPL, Riyan reinvented his batting approach and emerged more confident in 2023. His efforts paid off spectacularly when he was named Player of the Series in the 2023 Deodhar Trophy List A tournament.
Riyan continued to showcase his talent in the 2023-24 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he scored seven fifties in 10 matches for Assam, amassing 510 runs at an extraordinary average of 85.00 and a strike rate of 182.79. His remarkable performance did not go unnoticed, setting the stage for his outstanding IPL 2024 season.
IPL 2024 Breakthrough
Playing for the Rajasthan Royals, Riyan Parag had a breakthrough IPL 2024 season. He consistently delivered with the bat, finishing as the third-highest scorer in the tournament. Riyan scored 573 runs in 16 matches, with an impressive average of 52.09 and a strike rate of over 149. His performances included four half-centuries, with a top score of 84. Additionally, he smashed 40 boundaries and 33 sixes, playing a pivotal role in the Rajasthan Royals’ journey to the playoffs.
A Historic Achievement
Riyan Parag’s selection for the national team is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and remarkable talent. It is also a significant milestone for Assam and the Northeast, regions that have long awaited representation at the highest levels of Indian cricket. As Riyan dons the India team colours, he carries the hopes and aspirations of many young cricketers from the region, inspiring them to dream big and strive for excellence.
The five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe presents a golden opportunity for Riyan to showcase his skills on the international stage and contribute to the team’s success. His journey from a promising young talent to a member of the national team is a story of perseverance and determination, and it serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring cricketers across the Northeast.
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