Talented Indian all-rounder Riyan Parag discussed his impressive bowling display in the first T20I against Sri Lanka at Pallekele. Although primarily known for his batting, Parag delivered remarkable bowling figures of 3-5 in just 1.2 overs, significantly impacting Sri Lanka’s innings.
While batting at No. 6 in search of quick runs, Parag was out for 7 off 6 balls, dismissed by a precise yorker from Matheesha Pathirana. Despite a less successful outing with the bat, Parag made up for it with a stellar bowling performance, taking three crucial wickets during the death overs.
Riyan Parag reveals his game plan
After the match, Parag was asked about his game plan and his surprising bowling performance. The youngster revealed that he constantly practices bowling in the nets and was always prepared for bowling in such situations.
“I love bowling. I bowl as much behind the scenes. I think there was communication in the nets about where to bowl and how to bowl. We prepared for such kind of a stage (situation) with Gautam (Gambhir) sir that if get to bowl in the 16th or 17th over, which lines and lengths we need to bowl,” Parag said in a video posted by BCCI on X (formerly Twitter).”The boys made it easy for me. I just had to bowl stump-to-stump because the ball was turning as well,” the 22-year-old allrounder added.Meanwhile, India captain Suryakumar Yadav was also impressed with Riyan Parag’s bowling performance and called him an ‘X-factor’ of the team.
“I have seen Riyan (Parag) bowling in the IPL before and in the nets as well. I said at the PC (press conference) as well that he has that X-factor. If the batsmen keep bowling like this, my job will be much easier (smiles),” Suryakumar Yadav said.
Riyan Parag creates an immediate impact with the ball
With 56 runs needed off the final 4 overs, India captain Suryakumar Yadav handed the ball to Riyan Parag. Parag’s first delivery saw a wicket fall, but it was Dasun Shanaka who was run out without facing a ball, so it didn’t count towards Parag’s tally.
Two balls later, Parag claimed his first wicket by dismissing the dangerous Kamindu Mendis for 12 off 8 balls. He delivered a perfectly executed off-spin delivery at the right pace for the pitch.
In the final over, Parag quickly made an impact by taking two more wickets in the first two balls. He cleanly bowled out Maheesh Theekshana and Dilshan Madushanka, using accurate stump-to-stump lines to dismantle their stumps.
Riyan Parag’s bowling was a significant boost for India. The team has long sought a player who can bowl crucial overs, and Parag’s performance is likely to bolster the confidence of the management, who have been looking for this kind of all-round skill.
