India had a disappointing outing in the 3-match ODI series versus Sri Lanka in August 2024. Despite fielding a strong side, India were trapped in a web weaved by the Sri Lankan spinners and the batters were bamboozled completely.
Now despite a torrid series where India lost the plot in all the games, a big silver lining was Riyan Parag. The young all-rounder made his debut in the 3rd ODI and impressed one and all with his bowling as he bagged 3 wickets.
Under the new regime of Gautam Gambhir, it seems like Riyan Parag will be getting a long rope. After the T20I series in Zimbabwe, Parag was named in both the T20I and ODI series versus Sri Lanka and he had a decent outing.
Now the social media handles of the Indian cricket team released the cap hand-over ceremony of Riyan Parag. And guess who was the player, who handed the cap to the young Assamese all-rounder?
It was the legendary Virat Kohli! Riyan Parag time and again has said that Virat is his inspiration and it was such a heartwarming moment to see him receive his maiden ODI cap from his inspiration and motivation.
“Riyan, firstly congratulations for getting to play your first game for India. In today’s cricket, we all know apart from performances people who are responsible for selecting you are watching you and they see something special in you. And having spoken to GG bhai, Rohit, selectors everyone, they see something special in you. You have the ability to become a match-winner for India,” said Virat Kohli before handing the India cap to the 22-year-old.
“I know you have that belief; I have known you for a while now. And no better time than to step in time, 1-0 down, to start off your international career with an impactful performance with bat, ball and in the field as well. I wish you all the best, cap 256, Riyan Parag,” concluded Kohli.
Virat Kohli had a forgettable ODI series vs Sri Lanka
After bagging the player of the tournament award for scoring 765 runs at a jaw-dropping average of 95.62 in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, everyone expected Kohli to score a pile of runs in the 3-match ODI series versus Sri Lanka.
But the former Indian captain flattered to deceive at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo as he had a forgettable outing with the willow.
Kohli logged scores of 24(32), 14(19), 20(18) and fell packing in front of a spinner on all 3 occasions. What is even more startling is the fact that Kohli was trapped leg before on all the 3 occasions.
India’s next international assignment is at home when Bangladesh tours them for a 2-match Test series and a 3-match T20I series in September 2024.
