I don’t deserve a place in the Indian team right now: Riyan Parag

The Indian team is without some of their big stars in the ongoing T20I series against South Africa as the selectors are looking to give the relatively inexperienced players a run in the team to test their strength for the upcoming T20 World Cup in Australia later this year. Meanwhile, Riyan Parag, who is an exciting batting prospect for the Indian team, has claimed that he has not merited the selection for the national team.

Parag appeared in the finals of IPL 2022, playing for Rajasthan Royals, but was on the losing side against the debutant Gujarat Titans. Although the attacking batter didn’t have the best of times with the bat in hand, he was electric on the field and latched onto 17 catches, most in this year’s competition. However, the 20-year-old is adamant about making a more impactful contribution to his team with the bat and winning them around half a dozen matches in a season.

“Winning matches (for my team). I did that in a couple of matches, but that’s not enough. If I can win six-seven matches for my team in a tournament only then I will be in the reckoning. Right now, even I won’t feel good if my name comes up in the probables (list) for the Indian team. I don’t deserve it right now. In the coming season, my confidence will rise if I can guide my team to more victories,” Parag said to Sports Tak.

I am not happy with the way I have batted though: Riyan Parag

The batting star scored a mere 183 runs for the Rajasthan side in IPL 2022, but the main factor behind that low tally was the limited number of balls he got to face in an innings. The part-time leg spinner was not happy with his performance and looks to cement his place as a finisher, just like former Indian skipper MS Dhoni.

“Definitely happy with my batting position. I am not happy with the way I have batted though. I want to own that 6-7 spot. If you look around, only MS Dhoni’s name will come to your mind as someone who has established the role of a finisher. Approaching that, I am trying to learn and hopefully will be able to implement all my experience from next year onwards,” the youngster added.