India cricket team batter Riyan Parag has been named in the ODI squad for the upcoming white-ball series against Sri Lanka. The Assam batter’s inclusion over other eligible players including Ruturaj Gaikwad has ignited a debate. A report from Times of India, however, provides clarity on why the selectors chose to pick Parag.
Why was Riyan Parag picked for India vs Sri Lanka ODIs?
The report claims that Riyan Parag secured a place in the squad owing to Tilak Verma’s injury. As per TOI, a source claims that Parag’s improvement in his attitude towards the game is one of the reasons for his inclusion.
Additionally, Parag’s ability bowl and field decently has also been cited as factors that could have potentially influenced his inclusion. Further, the source added that the selectors wanted to nurture him for the future.
Riyan Parag in both T20Is and ODIs vs Sri Lanka
Riyan Parag, who recently made his T20I debut in the series against Zimbabwe, has now been included in the ODI squad as well. The Rajasthan Royals batter is part of both the T20I and ODI squads for the Sri Lanka tour. Selectors have shown continued faith in Parag despite his failure in the Zimbabwe series.