Former cricketer Irfan Pathan has strong beliefs in Riyan Parag and feels that he is going to get a lot of chances from the Indian team management. According to Pathan, one of the many bright spots about the young all-rounder was the fact that he contributes with both bat and ball. He sees this dual skill set as setting him apart from many of his contemporaries.
Riyan Parag’s Unique Skill Set
Irfan Pathan mentioned a very valid point here as to the way the Indian team is structured at the moment. According to him, there are not many top-order batsmen who can bowl a few overs and this is what makes Parag special. Pathan added that Parag’s bowling skills, combined with his batting, will earn him many chances on the team.
Riyan Parag had mixed fortunes in the first T20I against Sri Lanka at Pallekele on July 27. He flogged at the bat, managing a paltry seven. But with the ball, he indeed made a difference. The fine spell by Parag saw him pick up three wickets for five runs in 1.2 overs. His efforts helped India bundle out Sri Lanka for 170 runs while defending a total of 214 runs. India won the match by 43 runs, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
He said he worked a lot on preparation for bowling. He added that there were good conversations with Gautam Gambhir as to where to bowl during the overs, especially the crucial ones. Parag added that on many occasions, he would be called to bowl in the 16th and 17th overs, really spinning. Good support from other teammates made his task easier.
Riyan Parag, whenever called upon to bowl at crucial junctures, brings clear strategic value to the team. His performance during the first T20I against Sri Lanka has shown that he has the heart to deliver under pressure. He took three key wickets in quick succession, being at the forefront of ensuring India’s victory. Such versatility makes him a vital player in the team’s lineup.
Irfan Pathan’s Take on Parag’s Future
Irfan Pathan is very confident about the prospects of Riyan Parag in the future. Of course, that sounds quite a fact-based inference, which he attributes to the all-round qualities Parag has. According to Pathan, his contribution with both the bat and ball assures him of many opportunities. The modern-day game of cricket gives the utmost premium to players who can contribute to the team in multiple areas. All-rounders like Riyan bring a lot of balance and flexibility to the team. It is a game-changing aspect in today’s tightly spaced-out games.
Now, with India playing the T20Is against Sri Lanka, all eyes will be on the youngster. Performing in the remaining matches can cement his place in the team. If he keeps performing, more so at crunch time, he will become an integral part of India’s white-ball teams. How he handles pressure and comes up with the goods will be the key.
Under the guidance of the seniors in the playing group and the coaches, and with the encouraging words of former cricketers like Irfan Pathan, he might be an important player for India. His all-round skills make him a rare asset, and their further development will hold the key to his future and the team’s success in years to come. As he gets more experience, Parag can only have a growing role in this team, and he should be an important player for India’s cricketing future.
