XtraTime Web Desk: Seventeen years of age Riyan Parag has only played two matches in this year’s IPL so far for Rajasthan Royals but he has impressed everyone so far in the cash rich league. He made is IPL debut against Chennai Super Kings and gave just 24 runs in 3 overs and scored 16 runs as well which can be called as a great start by a rookie. In his second match today so far the young fellow bowled just two overs in the first innings against Mumbai Indians but only gave 17 runs. He used a lot of verities as well in these overs.
But who is this guy and is he can be a good prospect for India in future? He is already a world cup medalist, having played a significant role in India’s successful Under-19 triumph in the 2018 World Cup. Having made his Twenty20 debut for Assam in January, 2017, Riyan, who is a right-handed batsman and can bowl useful leg-breaks, was soon spotted and named in the squad for the 2018 U-19 World cup in New Zealand.
The World cup success was preceded by another successful overseas outing, this time in the red-ball format of the game as the Indian colts demolished their English counterparts in a 2-Test series. Only 15 then, Parag played his part in the monumental success, stroking three half-centuries, including fifties in both innings of the first unofficial Test.
In the match today while batting he shared a crucial partnership of 70 runs for the fifth wicket with RR skipper Steve Smith before getting run out on 43 runs. After the game Smith heaped praise about the 17 years old kid.”Parag was really impressive; I have been watching him in the nets and with the bat looks like a seasoned campaigner. He’s a great kid and has a great future, I hope I was as confident when I was 17,” concluded Smith.