BCCI Eyes Long-Term Role for Riyan Parag in White-Ball Squads | Reports

July 25, 2024 0 426

Despite average performances in the Zimbabwe series, the BCCI chose Riyan Parag for the upcoming white-ball series against Sri Lanka, with plans to groom him as a permanent member of the team.

Despite a series of average performances against Zimbabwe, Indian cricket selectors have shown confidence in young Riyan Parag by including him in the squad for the upcoming white-ball series against Sri Lanka. Parag’s selection for both T20Is and ODIs comes as Tilak Varma is sidelined with an injury.

According to reports from the Times of India, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is keen to develop Parag into a regular member of the national white-ball team, recognizing his potential and improvement in domestic cricket. Officials are impressed with his batting approach, useful bowling, and exceptional fielding skills.

“Parag is highly talented and has improved his attitude towards the game by several notches. He’s now looking to stay at the wicket. To add to his value, he can bowl decently and is a terrific fielder to boot. The selectors want to nurture him for the future,” the source close to the development told TOI.

The BCCI is also focused on developing pacer Harshit Rana, who impressed during the 2024 IPL season with 19 wickets in 13 matches, finishing as the joint fourth-leading wicket-taker. Following his strong performance, Rana has been included in India’s ODI squad for the series against Sri Lanka. Reportedly, the selectors were impressed by his variations, including yorkers and slower balls, making him a valuable asset in white-ball cricket.

“He (Rana) can bowl yorkers, slower balls and employ other variations at the death. That makes him a good option in white-ball cricket,” the source added.

Rana is expected to get game time in the upcoming series, and if he performs well, he could be considered for India’s squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy.