[Watch] Rohit Sharma is seen having an animated chat with Riyan Parag ahead of India vs Sri Lanka third ODI

Indian captain Rohit Sharma was seen having a long conversation with debutant Riyan Parag ahead of the third ODI against Sri Lanka at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Wednesday, August 7. Riyan has come into India's playing XI in place of Arshdeep Singh.

The Men in Blue have decided to deepen their batting line-up by bringing in the youngster at the cost of a left-arm pacer. However, Riyan can also bowl off-spin and that's probably what Rohit seemed to be discussing with the former.

Here's the video of the animated discussion:

Riyan Parag bowled in the T20I series against Sri Lanka and did pick up three wickets, showing he has wicket-taking ability.

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Virat Kohli presented Riyan Parag with his ODI cap

Star batter Virat Kohli had some inspiring words to say to Riyan Parag while handing the latter his ODI cap. Kohli spoke about how the selectors as well as captain Rohit Sharma and coach Gautam Gambhir believe in Parag's match-winning ability and even Kohli feels the youngster has the self-belief needed to go all the way.

Here's what Kohli was quoted as saying in a video posted by BCCI:

"Riyan firstly congratulations for getting to play your first game for India. In today's cricket we all know apart from performances, people getting you guys selected, they are watching you. After speaking to GG bhai, Rohit, the selectors, they see something special in you. You have the ability to become a match-winner for India. I know you have that belief."

Kohli also motivated Riyan to step up and deliver a performance of solid impact for the Men in Blue, with the visitors being 1-0 down in the series against Sri Lanka. At the time of writing, Sri Lanka are 98/1 in the 24th over with Avishka Fernando well set on 47*.

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