Riyan Parag Set For Maiden T20I Call-Up Against Australia?

image-lomo1brxRiyan Parag set to make T20I squad (Twitter)

Riyan Parag's spectacular run at the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 may have just paid way for an ultimate reward as the Assam maverick looks set to receive his maiden T20I call-up for India's forthcoming series at home against Australia. 

According to a Times of India report, the aspirational and talented Rajasthan Royals (RR) middle-order power hitter, who can be a truly handy part-time spin option as well, is a shoo-in for the T20I side set to be picked in the coming days for the five-match rubber to be played after the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023. 

Parag, Assam's inspirational skipper, has led his troops from the front in their march to the SMAT 2023 semifinals by blasting 510 runs in his 10 innings at a mindboggling strike-rate of 182.79. The youngster, who has often faced extensive criticism for his lifestyle choices and IPL failures on social media, has also been a valiant contributor with the ball, taking 11 scalps. 

With India perennially in search of more batters who can bowl, Parag boasts of an encouraging option for the senior selection committee under former India pacer Ajit Agarkar ahead of the Australian T20I series, beginning November 23. 


Riyan Parag Likely To Recieve Maiden T20I Call-up 

To add to Parag's stocks and claims, the 21-year-old was an outstanding performer in the Deodhar Trophy also. The young gun set the stage alive with his presence in the List A tournament that kickstarted the domestic season for 2023-24 in June, smashing 354 runs and taking 11 wickets for East Zone. 

"Parag has been performing consistently in domestic cricket this season. It's hard to ignore his all-round performances. To add to his worth, he's also an excellent fielder," a source privy to the developments was quoted as saying by Times of India. 

Parag's opportunity to emerge as an IPL hero may have been limited considering his role as a designated end-overs hitter but the promising talent has been climbing up the ladder by unleashing his wrath on domestic attacks and could be picked for a T20I squad missing all the senior pros currently busy with World Cup duties. 

The scenario in the offing would entail a squad similar to the one that clinched the prestigious gold medal under Ruturaj Gaikwad last month at the Asian Games men's T20I in China. 

To establish a balance of youth and experience, however, Agarkar's panel may reportedly consider discarded veteran seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar for a comeback to the T20I set-up. Bhuvneshwar, who last played for India during the tour of New Zealand in late 2022, has taken 11 wickets at an economy rate of just 5.84 at the SMAT, including a five-fer against Karnataka. 

"The selectors are likely to rest all the senior bowlers. In such a scenario, we need an experienced seamer like Bhuvneshwar to lead the attack. He may be recalled," the source said.