'You have that ability to be a match-winner for India' - Virat Kohli's special message for Riyan Parag while presenting maiden ODI cap

Riyan Parag made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka on Wednesday, August 7, at the iconic R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. He had an impressive outing with the ball but couldn't help India get the all-important victory in the third ODI as Sri Lanka bagged the series by a 2-0 margin.

While the Men in Blue couldn't get the result they would have hoped for, August 7 will go down as a special day in Parag's cricketing career as he received his maiden ODI cap from the legendary Virat Kohli ahead of the game. While presenting the cap, the former India captain said that the Assam all-rounder has the ability to become a match-winner for the national team.

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“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, selectors, Rohit 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.

These words of praise and motivation will surely reverberate in Parag's ears and inspire him as he looks to make a name for himself in the international arena.

How did Riyan Parag fare on his ODI debut?

Parag, who made his international debut last month during the T20I series against Zimbabwe, bowled nine overs in the first innings of the third ODI and picked up the wickets of Avishka Fernando, Charith Asalanka, and Dunith Wellalage, while conceding 54 runs.

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India were chasing a target of 249 in spin-friendly conditions and lost half their side for 73 runs inside the first 13 overs. Parag came out to bat at No. 7 and hit a boundary off the first ball he faced. He was eventually dismissed by the in-form Jeffrey Vandersay for a 13-ball 15 in the 16th over. India were bowled out for 138 in 26.1 overs as Sri Lanka won the game by a convincing margin of 110 runs.