Table of Contents
Riyan Parag has been handed his One Day International (ODI) debut cap and included in India’s playing eleven for the crucial series-decider against Sri Lanka in Colombo on Wednesday (August 07).
Alongside this, Rishabh Pant also secured a spot in the Indian lineup for the third ODI match. This decision came after KL Rahul was left out of the squad for this particular game. Pant’s inclusion and the debut of Parag highlight a strategic shift in the team as they aim to secure a decisive victory in the last game of the three game ODI series.
Riyan Parag makes a ODI debut for India
Parag made his debut in the India playing XI, replacing pacer Arshdeep Singh for the important encounter against Sri Lanka. Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, the Indian team opted to field with only one specialist fast bowler, Mohammed Siraj, for this crucial match.
To complement Siraj, Shivam Dube will serve as the additional pace option. This decision reflects a strategic approach, focusing on a balanced attack with Parag’s inclusion and Dube’s role, as the team aims to secure victory in the final game of the series. With the introduction of 22-year-old Parag, India have provided depth to their batting and spin-bowling departments.
Parag’s emotional dressing room speech
In a video released by Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Parag gave a heartening speech in the dressing room after he made his debut for India, Initially he paid respect to senior players Rohit and Virat Kohli then he thanked his parents for the goal they have made a long time ago. Later on, 22 year old mentioned about his dream of playing with the players he used watch then he thanked every member of the team as it was a surreal moment for a debutant.
“Now, this was even more emotional for me cause I actually saw people who I watched growing up – Rohit bhai, Virat bhaiya. And then, now actually being here, practicing, going inside, sharing the same hotel, being in the same rooms,” Parag said in the video. “All of this feels very surreal. I called my mom when I first got this and mom and dad were in the video call with me and that I got the ODI call-up and everyone was crying but then it was just a very emotional experience I had and felt really surreal to be here and be with you guys. Just feels amazing, so thank you so much,” Parag said.
Also READ: SL vs IND: Rohit Sharma expresses disappointment after a shocking loss to Sri Lanka in the second ODI
Here is the video:
A day before his Debut 🧢
The moment he was told he will play next day 👌👌
Riyan gave a heartwarming speech inside the dressing room 🤗
All heart 💙 here#TeamIndia | #SLvIND | @ParagRiyan pic.twitter.com/1i8pCiUgNb
— BCCI (@BCCI) August 7, 2024
Summary of ODIs series so-far
In the ongoing series, the Sri Lankan spin attack was led by leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay, who delivered a remarkable performance so far. Their exceptional bowling effort significantly contributed to India’s collapse in both the games and highlighted the effectiveness of Sri Lanka’s spin-centric strategy on the surface.
The first ODI concluded in a dramatic tie, with India being dismissed for 230 despite a strong 75-run opening partnership between Rohit and Shubman Gill. In the second ODI, India faced a similar fate, experiencing a batting collapse after a solid 97-run opening stand. Chasing a target of 241, the visitors were all out for 208.
