India vs Zimbabwe: Riyan Parag Talks About Maiden India Call-up

Riyan Parag endured harsh criticism following disappointing performances in previous Indian Premier League (IPL) seasons. However, 2024 marked a turning point for him as he excelled for the Rajasthan Royals, amassing an impressive 573 runs in 16 matches, securing the third spot on the Orange Cap leaderboard. This remarkable achievement not only silenced his critics but also earned him his debut call-up to the national team for the Zimbabwe series. Reflecting on his journey, Parag acknowledged the challenges he faced and expressed his eagerness to represent India.

"Playing for India has always been my ultimate goal," Parag emphasized. He recognized the transient nature of IPL success, stressing the importance of sustained excellence rather than fleeting achievements. Parag remains resolute in his ambition to consistently contribute to Indian cricket, striving to establish himself as a permanent fixture in the national squad.

As he prepares for his international debut, Parag views the upcoming opportunity with immense satisfaction. "I am thrilled to be on the verge of realizing my dream," he remarked eagerly. He sees international cricket as a crucial platform that will provide him with a structured path for personal growth and achievement.

Parag's transformation from a promising talent to a seasoned performer underscores his resilience and determination. His journey highlights the unpredictable nature of sports and the resilience required to overcome setbacks and achieve one's aspirations. With his eyes firmly set on representing his country at the highest level, Parag is poised to make a significant impact on the international stage, driven by his unwavering passion and commitment to excellence.

“Growing up, I always felt people from our region limit themselves from dreaming big. I'd like to change that. I'm not there (an international player) yet. I want to play for the country. Once I do, then people know they can have a pathway, a road map from one of their very own who got there. Now I've played in the IPL and there's realisation from the people that even if you're from a small state like Assam, you can get to that level,” Riyan Parag said during a recent interview. 

“But the thing is, the IPL can't be that big a goal. You can play for one year and fade away. But when I play for the country, when I make it to the country, I think that's when the actual road map will be set. They don't have to really follow it. They can have their own versions of it,” he added.

Riyan Parag encountered severe trolling due to both his on-field performances and off-field remarks in previous IPL editions. Reflecting on this period, the cricketer from Assam expressed that while he didn't believe he deserved such criticism, he also recognized there was little he could do to prevent it. Parag admitted that dealing with the backlash was challenging, yet he found satisfaction in proving his detractors wrong. His resilience in overcoming these adversities has been a testament to his determination and focus on improving his game, ultimately leading to his recent successes and recognition in the cricketing world.

“It's not easy. But then again, after last year, I had a chat with myself. And this sort of a comeback is personal because I had to put up with stuff I didn't really deserve. Maybe I've lacked in preparation, maybe I've lacked in a few things, but then I've always put my best foot forward. I thought I didn't deserve all the trolling, but what could I do? People are going to say things regardless. Last year they said I wasn't good enough to play in the IPL. Now they want me in the Indian team. So people change, just like a switch,” Parag concluded.