Former cricketer Irfan Pathan made significant comments about young all-rounder Riyan Parag after the first T20I of the ongoing three-match series between India and Sri Lanka. Pathan discussed why Parag continues to receive opportunities with the Indian team despite not performing well in the recent five-match series against Zimbabwe.
Riyan Parag’s selection in the playing XI raised eyebrows, particularly since Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube were left out for the first T20I. Parag struggled with the bat, scoring just seven runs from six balls before being dismissed by Matheesha Pathirana in the 19th over of India’s innings.
Nevertheless, the 22-year-old shone with the ball. He bowled the 17th over for India and took his first wicket by dismissing Kamindu Mendis, who had scored 12 runs from 8 balls. Parag also picked up two more wickets in the final over, ending with figures of 3 for 5 from just 1.2 overs.
Riyan Parag Will Get An Extra Advantage – Irfan Pathan
Irfan Pathan highlighted that India lacks top-order batters who can also contribute with the ball in white-ball formats. The former all-rounder said that Riyan Parag will get many opportunities because of his bowling ability. Pathan emphasized that Parag justifies his inclusion in the team with his bowling.
“You will see Riyan Parag getting many chances due to his bowling ability. As a top-order batsman, not many in the country have the ability to roll their arm over. This is where Riyan Parag will get an extra advantage, and rightly so,” Pathan wrote on the microblogging platform X (formerly known as Twitter).
Riyan Parag has been good with the ball in domestic cricket. The young cricketer has taken 144 wickets across all formats for Assam (50 in first-class, 50 in List-A, and 44 in T20s). In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2023/24, he took 11 wickets in 10 games with an average of 24.54 and an economy rate of 7.29.
They Will Get Their Chances Regularly Too – Irfan Pathan
A fan questioned why Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Verma, who can also bowl, aren’t given more chances. Pathan responded that both players will get regular opportunities. The former left-arm pacer said that he likes Abhishek and Tilak’s skills and attitude on the field.
“What about Abhishek Sharma, tilak Verma both can bowl,” the fan asked.
“They will get their chances regularly too. I Like their skill n attitude on the field,” Pathan replied.
The Men in Blue successfully defended 213 runs to register the first victory in the series at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Saturday, July 27. Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel also took two wickets each. Mohammed Siraj and Ravi Bishnoi secured one wicket each while Hardik Pandya went wicketless.
The second T20I match between India and Sri Lanka will be played at the same venue on Sunday, July 28. The visiting team hopes to clinch the series victory, while the hosts want to level the series in the upcoming match.
