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"Cried in the bathroom because...": Riyan Parag reveals reason behind India setup absence

Soumyajit Dutta

Riyan Parag [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X.com]Riyan Parag [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X.com]

Riyan Parag, who last played for India over a year ago, believes a shoulder injury is the reason he is currently out of the national setup, expressing confidence that he can play both white-ball formats when fit. 

His revelations come just days after India announced their squad for the South Africa T20Is, as Parag is taking a hit with his lump in the ongoing SMAT 2025.

Riyan Parag labels shoulder injury as reason behind India absence

However, Riyan Parag seemed unconcerned about his slump as he stressed that his injury was the sole reason behind his non-selection for the national setup.

“I felt I was pretty decent [for India]. This is my belief, or overconfidence; you can say whatever you want. But I know that because my shoulder was injured, I am currently not playing for India. Otherwise, I think I can play both white-ball formats [for India]. Whenever I am fully fit, you will see me in India colours again,” Riyan told the reporters.

Riyan last played for India back in October 12 2024, against Bangladesh in a five-match T20I series where he piled up a total of 49 runs from his 5 matches.

Parag ignores SMAT 2025 as IPL form indicator

Nevertheless, the Rajasthan Royals all-rounder and strong contender for the captaincy of the franchise after Sanju Samson's exit also believes that domestic T20 cricket is not an indicator of IPL form. Parag is confident he can bounce back soon enough.

“I had two SMAT seasons where I scored at an average of 45-50 in seven matches, and then couldn’t score 70 runs in the IPL in 14 matches. I have cried in the bathroom because I wasn’t scoring runs. I have wondered whether I should practise or not practise at all, or whether I should go on a vacation. This [Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy] is all for muscle memory. If I score runs, then it is very good. If I don’t score, it is not like I won’t score in the IPL. Because it has happened that after scoring here, I have not scored there,” Parag said.

The 24-year-old unfortunately averages only 15.00 and 17.66 in ODI and T20I cricket, respectively and is still waiting for a revival after a probable call-up in future to play for India. His IPL metrics, though, show hope with 393 runs in the last season at an average of 32.