Riyan Parag took 3 wickets in India's 43-run win in first T20I against Sri Lanka.
Riyan Parag, the Assam all-rounder, has impressed one and all with his intent with the bat and ability to roll his arm over as well. Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has stated that Parag is set to get many more chances to prove his ability in the Indian team.
Parag made his India T20I debut in Zimbabwe and while he didn’t set the stage on fire, he impressed with the bat. Given the fact that Parag also bowls off-spin has gone in his favor as he was named in both T20I and ODI squads for India’s tour of Sri Lanka.
In fact, Riyan Parag has been preferred over seasoned Sanju Samson in the middle order with Rishabh Pant being the first-choice keeper in Indian XI. Parag took three wickets in India's win in first T20I showing his bowling prowess.
Irfan Pathan seemingly also has the same thoughts as Indian team management and said that he expects Parag to get a long rope in the middle-order, especially in T20I cricket.
"You will see Riyan Parag getting many chances due to his bowling ability. As a top-order batsman, not many in the country can roll their arm over. This is where Riyan Parag will get an extra advantage, and rightly so," Pathan posted on X.
From the first two matches, it's quite clear that Gambhir has Parag in his long-term plans as it gives the Indian team more options and balance in the middle order.