Rajasthan Royals (RR) all-rounder Riyan Parag has opened up about his comeback in the India national cricket team during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The Rajasthan Royals batter said that he would return to the Indian team through consistent performances in the ongoing T20 tournament.
Parag had a breakthrough season with Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2024. He lived up to the faith the team had shown in him over the years. The all-rounder amassed 573 runs across 16 games at an impressive average of 52.09 and a strike rate of 149.2. He then earned a maiden call-up from the national selectors.
I Have Been Dreaming of It Since I Was a Little Kid – Riyan Parag
Riyan Parag said that his childhood dream came true when he represented India. He said the experience was truly special and is now focused on delivering another good IPL season to return to the national team.
“Really special. I have been dreaming of it since I was a little kid. You can see the smile on my face and yeah, just trying to have another good season and hopefully back in the India colours pretty soon,” Riyan said.
“Last year, everything just came together collectively. Trying to do the same this year – got a lot of starts, just trying to convert those starts into big innings,” he added.
Riyan became the first cricketer from Assam to represent India in July last year. He went on to play nine T20s and also earned a cap in One Day Internationals. Head coach Gautam Gambhir utilized Parag as a true all-rounder, with the team management backing his skills with both bat and ball.
I’m Just Looking to Contribute More With the Bat – Riyan Parag
The 23-year-old said that he feels comfortable at the number four spot in the lineup. Parag said that he is focused on making contributions with the bat as the season progresses.
“I was at three for the first few games; I’m back at number four now. I’ve been playing at this position for the last three matches and I feel it’s going to stay that way for at least the next few games, if not the rest of the season. I’m back at my happy place, so I’m just looking to contribute more with the bat and see how it goes,” he said.
Riyan Parag Led Rajasthan Royals in First Three Matches in IPL 2025
Riyan Parag returned from a shoulder injury after missing international fixtures, including India’s tours of South Africa and the home series against England. With stiff competition in the national T20I squad, he will face the challenge of reclaiming his spot through consistent domestic performances.
In the absence of a fully fit Sanju Samson, Riyan captained Rajasthan Royals in their first three matches and led them to their first victory of the season against Chennai Super Kings. He has scored 135 runs in five innings at a strong strike rate of 160.
Parag has also shown flexibility in the batting order, batting between No. 3 and No. 4 to support the team’s right-left combination strategy. He and Nitish Rana have rotated positions based on the opening pair’s performance, with Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal opening at the top.
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