WATCH: Riyan Parag's lofted cover drive for six in Duleep Trophy personifies elegance

The second round of Duleep Trophy 2024 matches got underway on Thursday, September 12. The talented Riyan Parag hit one of the shots of the tournament while batting for India A against India D at the Rural Development Trust Stadium in Anantapur.

After Shreyas Iyer won the toss and opted to bowl first, Vidhwath Kaverappa dismissed both India A openers - Pratham Singh and Mayank Agarwal inside the first 10 overs. Parag came out to bat at No. 4 with India C dominating proceedings. The Assam captain scored five runs off his first five balls before hitting Kaverappa for a stunning six over long-off.

Also Read: Duleep Trophy 2024: India C skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad retires hurt after reportedly twisting ankle

The right-arm pacer bowled an overpitched delivery outside off-stump and Parag pressed forward to loft it through the line with a high elbow. Kaverappa could only watch the ball sail over the boundary as Parag showcased his skills against the rampaging bowler.

Riyan Parag departs after playing a stroke-filled cameo

The stunning hit marked the beginning of Parag's blitzkrieg as he went on to score 37 runs off just 29 balls. He hit five fours and a solitary six during his enterprising knock to give some much-needed momentum to the Assam innings. However, the 22-year-old couldn't convert his start into a substantial score as Arshdeep Singh ended his stay at the crease.

Also Read: Tilak Varma eyes India call-up through all-round skill

The left-arm seamer bowled a full delivery outside off-stump and Parag threw his bat at it in search of another boundary. However, he only managed to get a thick outside edge which was safely taken by Devdutt Padikkal at first slip. Arshdeep was elated after taking the wicket as he was hit for three fours in an over by Parag earlier in the innings.

India A lost their last game to India B, while India D were defeated by India C. Both teams would want to win this match to get back in the race for the title.