Imagine you grinding very hard in the domestic circuit and then having a breakout IPL season followed by receiving the ODI debut cap by none other than your ultimate idol. The last few months have been a revelation for Riyan Parag, who made his T20I debut against Zimbabwe and now received his ODI cap from Virat Kohli, who spoke quite highly of him.
Trailing the ongoing series 0-1 against the Lankan Lions, Rohit Sharma made two changes by bringing in Rishabh Pant and Parag in place of KL Rahul and Arshdeep Singh. Prior to the toss, Kohli handed over the ODI cap number 256 for ‘special’ Parag.
Kohli handing ODI cap to Parag
“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 you guys getting selected were watching you and they’ve seen something special in you. And having spoken to GG Bhai (Gautam Gambhir), selectors, Rohit (Sharma) and everyone, they see something special in you,” said Kohli in a video shared by BCCI.
“You have that ability to be a match-winner for India. I know you have that belief, I’ve known you for a while now and we all have that belief in you. No better time to step in today, 0-1 down, to start off your international career. With an impactful presence on the field ball bat and fielding as well, I wish you all the best. Cap 256, Riyan Parag,” he added.
