Riyan Parag Confident To Play For India After IPL 2024 Success

Riyan Parag catapulted into the limelight of world cricket during the electrifying spectacle of the Indian Premier League 2024. The young right-handed batter solidified his place at the number four spot for the Rajasthan Royals, consistently rescuing his team from perilous situations. Throughout the tournament, he showcased his prowess with the bat, accumulating a staggering total of 573 runs at an impressive average of 52.09 and a striking strike rate of 149.21. Despite his longstanding association with the Rajasthan franchise since 2019, Parag had previously struggled to make a significant impact. However, the year 2024 emerged as a watershed moment for the 22-year-old cricketer, marking a remarkable transformation in his fortunes. His remarkable performances caught the attention of cricket aficionados, prompting suggestions for his inclusion in the national team.

Parag, buoyed by his outstanding IPL 2024 campaign, has now set his sights on donning the prestigious national colors. He divulged that his aspiration to represent the country was not merely a fleeting dream but a meticulously devised plan crafted in collaboration with his father. His father, a former cricketer hailing from Assam, played a pivotal role in shaping Parag's cricketing journey and instilling in him the ambition to excel at the highest level. With his newfound form and determination, Parag appears poised to realize his long-cherished dream of donning the national jersey and showcasing his talents on the international stage.

"At some point, you'll have to take me, right? So that is my belief, I'm going to play for India. I don't really care when. [Even] when I was not scoring runs - I said this in an [earlier] interview as well that I am going to play for India. That is me believing in myself. That is not me being arrogant. That is what my plan was with my dad [former Railways and Assam player Parag Das], when I started playing cricket when I was like 10-years old. We were going to play for India regardless of anything,” said Riyan Parag in a recent interview.

Amidst the fervor of IPL 2024, India's squad for the T20 World Cup 2024 was unveiled, but Riyan Parag found himself omitted, not even securing a spot in the travel reserve. Undeterred, Parag remains resolute, focusing his sights on the series following the marquee event. India's upcoming journey to Zimbabwe presents a promising opportunity, and Parag eagerly anticipates earning a berth in the squad. Despite the setback of missing out on the World Cup selection, Parag remains steadfast in his determination to impress selectors and stake his claim for international recognition.

"Whether it's the next tour, whether it's a tour in six months, whether it's a tour in one year... I don't really put my thought behind when I should play. That is the selector's job, that is other people's job," he added.