One-day international debutant Riyan Parag was given a stirring start to his attempt to help India avoid a series defeat to Sri Lanka when former captain Virat Kohli told the 22-year-old that his selectors “see something special” in him.
Gathering in a huddle before the third test at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium, Kohli addressed all-rounder Parag directly as he became India’s 256th player in the format.
“You have that ability to be a match-winner for India,” Kohli told the Assam and Rajasthan Royals player.
“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 than today – 1-0 down – to start off your international career with an impactful presence on the field: ball, bat and fielding as well.”
💬 💬 “You have the ability to be a match-winner for India.”
Virat Kohli to Riyan Parag 🤝#TeamIndia | #SLvIND | @imVkohli | @ParagRiyan PIC.TWITTER.COM/JDULJSRCPR
— BCCI (@BCCI) AUGUST 7, 2024
India vs Sri Lanka: Hosts win ODI
Parag responded with three wickets but could not prevent India from slipping to a 110-run defeat and their first ODI series loss in the fixture since August 1997
The 2018 Under-19 Cricket World Cup winner batted seventh and hit 15 off 13 balls, including two fours.
The figures meant only Washington Sundar and captain and opening batsman Rohit Sharma bettered Parag’s strike rate of 115.38.
In a video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India before the match, Parag thanked his team-mates and said he had realised a dream by being part of the squad.
A day before his Debut 🧢
The moment he was told he will play next day 👌👌
Riyan gave a heartwarming speech inside the dressing room 🤗
All heart 💙 here#TeamIndia | #SLvIND | @ParagRiyan PIC.TWITTER.COM/1I8PCIUGNB
— BCCI (@BCCI) AUGUST 7, 2024
Riyan Parag: India call ‘surreal’
“It was thought impossible and too far-fetched for a kid to come here and play with players I’ve watched and idolised growing up,” he explained.
“Me, my mum and my dad made it a mission that we would make it, and then we would be like ‘OK, that’s something we’ve accomplished.’
“Being here, practising, going inside, sharing the same hotel, being in the same room – all of this just feels very surreal.
“I called my mum when I first got [called up]; my mum and dad were in the video call. Everyone was crying. It was a very emotional experience. Just being with you guys feels amazing.”
