Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin waded into the debate over Riyan Parag warranting for a spot in the ODI side and stated that he would have to wait for his chance. The debate was triggered on social media after former RCB star Shreevats Goswami had claimed that the RR captain did not deserve to be in the squad for the 50-over format. Ashwin explained why Parag would have to wait for his turn and what he needs to do to break into the playing XI.
What does Riyan Parag need to do to make it to ODI side?
Taking to social media platform X, Ashwin pointed out that while Parag has a fine average in List A cricket, he simply won’t fit the bill in the ODI side as he would be required to bat at number 5 or 6 – a position he has never batted at either in domestic cricket or in the IPL. Citing the case of Ruturaj Gaikwad, the former CSK spinner noted that the former was asked to bat at an unfamiliar position (number 4) in the ongoing IND vs SA ODIs, stating that it looked like an effort to show how versatile he could be. Ashwin said that Parag would have to exhibit such kind of versatility while batting at number 5 or 6 in order to break into the ODI side.
“Riyan is a fine fine talent, he does have runs and averages 41 in list A cricket. At the moment requirement is to come in at no 5 or 6, give the required thrust and fill in some overs, hence he won’t fit the bill because he hasn’t batted at that number for his franchisee or Assam. He started as a finisher for RR and that dint work, he succeeded as a good no 3/4. At this point of time Riyan needs to show that sort of versatility to be able to warrant a place at 5/6,” Ashwin wrote.
Riyan Parag has played just one ODI to date which happened to be the game against Sri Lanka in August 2024. The all-rounder scored 15 runs and picked up 3 wickets on his debut. While Parag has some good numbers in List A cricket, there is too much competition for spin all-rounders in the Indian ODI setup at this point of time in addition to the fact that Ashwin pointed out.
| Matches | Runs | Batting Average | Wickets | Bowling Average |
| 55 | 1947 | 41.42 | 54 | 30.48 |
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