3 reasons why India must use Riyan Parag the bowler more in Sri Lanka T20Is
Riyan Parag emerged as the standout bowler for the Indian team as they secured a 43-run victory over Sri Lanka on Saturday, July 27 in Pallekele in the first T20I of the ongoing three-match series. He finished with figures of 3/5 in 1.2 overs and displayed his ability to secure breakthroughs for the national side.
As it turns out, Parag was preparing to bowl tough overs in the nets, with inputs from head coach Gautam Gambhir. Nevertheless, the batting all-rounder proved to be a surprise package for the cricket fraternity, as he inflicted a significant loss to the home team, despite them adding 100 runs in around 10 overs in a chase of 214. Meanwhile, Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel claimed two wickets each.
Going ahead, Riyan Parag can be a useful all-rounder for the Indian team. Although Parag could score only seven off 10 with the bat, he had a brilliant IPL 2024. He emerged as the highest run-getter for Rajasthan Royals with 573 runs in 15 innings at a strike rate of 149.22.
On that note, let's take a look at three reasons why Riyan Parag can be used as a bowler more often in the remaining two T20Is.
#1 Assistance from the surface at Pallekele
Historically, Sri Lanka has been the breeding ground for the spinners. All games of the series are set to take place at Pallekele International Stadium. The first game of the series saw Parag exploit the spinning track and find purchase from the surface. Most notably, he breached Kamindu Mendis' defense when his ball turned sharply to take the latter's off-stump.
Moreover, Axar Patel also chipped in with two scalps, while Wanindu Hasaranga also took a wicket in the game. Lankan spinners like Akila Dananjaya (27), Ajantha Mendis (23) and Hasaranga (21) have been key wicket-takers in the limited-overs format at this venue.
Hence, Parag can be useful in the middle-overs or backend of the innings to contain the batters and dismiss them as well.
#2 Impressive bowling record for Assam in domestic cricket
Riyan Parag boasts a good track record with the ball in domestic cricket for Assam across all formats. In total, he has scalped a total of 144 wickets (50 each in first-class and List-A and 44 in T20s).
In particular, Parag shone brightly in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2023/24. He scalped 11 wickets in 10 games at an average of 24.54 and an impressive economy of 7.29. So, his bowling pedigree in the shortest format can prove to be handy for the national team as well.
#3 Building future all-round prospect in form of Riyan Parag
With the departure of Ravindra Jadeja, the Indian team management is in search of credible spin all-rounders in T20Is. Although Axar Patel is the preferred option, the team still needs support around him, especially in spin-friendly conditions. Moreover, in the last few years, the think tank have opted to include bowlers who can be potent with the bat as well.
Riyan Parag fits the bill perfectly for the Indian team, with his terrific batting form in the recent domestic season and IPL. Along with stitching crucial partnerships, he can play as a finisher and make a difference to the side's total as well.
If he can maintain his bowling form in the coming games, Parag is certainly expected to be a key all-rounder for the Indian side in T20Is.