BCCI keen on giving extended run to Riyan Parag for all-round prowess

Despite average performances in the series against Zimbabwe, BCCI selectors have kept faith in Riyan Parag as he was named for the upcoming white-ball series against Sri Lanka. The youngster was not only picked for T20Is but also made it to the ODI team, as Tilak Varma is currently carrying an injury.

However, his selection was not surprising as BCCI is now eager to groom him to be a permanent member of white-ball cricket. The selectors were impressed by his all-round skill in domestic cricket and were also happy with his attitude towards the game. The officials now want to nurture him for the future and the Assam-born cricketer is likely to get more opportunities going forward.

“Parag is highly talented and has improved his attitude towards the game by several notches. He's now looking to stay at the wicket. To add to his value, he can bowl decently and is a terrific fielder to boot. The selectors want to nurture him for the future,” the source close to the development told TOI.

They are also keen on developing Harshit Rana. The pacer was incredible in the 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and following this, he got into India’s ODI squad for the Sri Lanka series. As per the source, the selectors were impressed by his variation and he is another cricketer that the selectors are keeping an eye on for white-ball cricket.

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“He can bowl yorkers, slower balls and employ other variations at the death. That makes him a good option in white-ball cricket,” the source added.

Rana picked up 19 wickets in 13 matches in IPL 2024 and finished as the joint fourth-leading wicket-taker of the tournament. He is expected to get game time in the series against Sri Lanka and if the pacer manages to impress, Rana will be in contention to make it to India’s squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy in 2025. However, for that, Rana needs to remain consistent.