Riyan Parag's Recovery Progress Sparks World Cup Selection Hope
New Delhi: Riyan Parag's journey under head coach Gautam Gambhir began with promise. His strong domestic performances and versatile skills earned him spots in India's ODI and T20I squads for the 2024 white-ball tour of Sri Lanka.
Breakthrough IPL Season and Domestic Dominance
Parag enjoyed a remarkable IPL 2024 campaign. He emerged as Rajasthan Royals' leading scorer, amassing 573 runs across 14 innings. His impressive average of 52.09 and strike rate of 149.21 placed him third overall in the tournament's run charts.
Before his IPL success, Parag led Assam to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy semi-finals in 2023-24. He dominated the tournament, topping the scoring list with 510 runs from 10 matches. His extraordinary average of 85.00 and strike rate of 182.79 showcased his batting prowess. Additionally, he contributed 11 wickets with his bowling.
Injury Setback and Recovery Journey
Parag's last T20I appearance came during the home series against Bangladesh in October last year. His sole ODI outing occurred against Sri Lanka in August 2024. However, a shoulder niggle disrupted his momentum, requiring surgical intervention.
The Assam all-rounder returned to competitive cricket during the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 in January following his surgery. He spent the early part of the 2025-26 season managing his right shoulder. Unfortunately, the injury resurfaced during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, forcing him to miss the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Parag's most recent competitive match was on December 6 against Odisha in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Before his injury troubles, he experienced a lean patch in domestic cricket. Despite scoring three List A half-centuries for India A against Australia A in September last year, he struggled in the unofficial ODIs against South Africa A.
His Ranji Trophy performances yielded just 100 runs across three matches for Assam. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, his scores were modest: 5, 15, 14, 0, 5, and 14.
Current Recovery Status at BCCI Facility
TimesofIndia.com has learned that Parag is now at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence, approaching full fitness. The 24-year-old has been at the facility for three weeks, awaiting medical clearance.
A source familiar with the situation revealed, "He has started batting and bowling in the nets this week. He is not feeling any pain and is getting closer to regaining full fitness."
Parag has shared videos of his batting and bowling sessions on Instagram over recent days, showing his progress. He has resumed bowling and is throwing at full intensity during his rehabilitation.
World Cup Selection Possibilities
Injuries to other players have opened potential opportunities for Parag. Tilak Varma has been ruled out until the third T20I of the upcoming New Zealand series. Washington Sundar faces a longer recovery period, having already missed the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand.
Parag represents a like-for-like replacement option for both Varma and Sundar. Teams can make changes to their World Cup squads until January 31, giving Indian selectors time to monitor his recovery.
Ayush Badoni has replaced Sundar for the ODI series, but selectors might consider Parag for the five T20Is if he receives fitness clearance. Parag has been part of Gambhir's plans since the coach took over following India's 2024 T20 World Cup victory.
Fitness clearance could come as early as next week, potentially timing his return perfectly for World Cup consideration. The Indian team management is closely tracking his rehabilitation progress at the Centre of Excellence.
