Riyan Parag is not only fit enough but has been appointed to lead Assam in the seventh round of the Ranji Trophy tournaments, starting January 30, 2024. At 23, Parag will lead Assam against Saurashtra in their last league game in Rajkot. Parag had last played in October 2024, in the third T20I between India and Bangladesh at Hyderabad; this will be his first competitive match since he was forced to do away with the T20I series in South Africa, the current series against England, and inclusion in India’s Champions Trophy squad that he would have contributed. His playing might help him regain some match fitness lest India needs a replacement soon for him.
Having appeared for India in ten T20Is since his debut against Zimbabwe in July 2024, Parag is an explosive batsman and a useful quick-spinner. Before his injury, his all-around abilities served as very good depth for India.
Last season, in the Ranji Trophy, he showed his skill with the bat. He scored 378 runs in six innings at an average of 75.60 and a strike rate of 113.85. He also hit 20 sixes, making him the highest six-hitter of the season.
Assam, now at the bottom of the Elite Group D standings with zero wins after six matches, with two losses and four draws, will be looking forward to Parag’s return generating some definite lift in them. Now that Assam is out of playoff contention, Saurashtra, who stands in contention for a knockout spot, will be under pressure to perform well.
Assam squad: Riyan Parag (capt), Denish Das (vice-capt), Mukhtar Hussain, Mrinmoy Dutta, Rahul Singh, Dipjyoti Saikia, Parvez Musaraf, Sumit Ghadigaonkar (wk), Rishav Das, Anurag Talukdar (wk), Avinav Choudhury, Sibsankar Roy, Akash Sengupta, Pradyun Saikia, Amlanjyoti Das.