“Parag is India's future match-winner”, Kohli

On Wednesday, August 7, Virat Kohli presented Riyan Parag with his ODI debut cap, calling him India's future match-winner. Parag, who replaced Arshdeep Singh for the third ODI against Sri Lanka at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, was previously introduced to international cricket with his T20I debut against Zimbabwe on July 6. Although he was dismissed for 2 runs in that debut, Parag’s performance in the six T20Is he played did not fully reflect his potential until now.

Kohli, who is Parag's idol, delivered an inspiring speech during the cap presentation. He emphasised Parag’s potential and the significance of making his debut at a crucial time when India was trailing 0-1 in the series.

Reflecting on his journey, Parag shared how his dream of playing for India seemed unattainable to many, especially coming from Assam. “Being from Assam, it was deemed impossible to make it here and play with players I grew up idolising. But with the support of my family, we made it a mission to achieve this goal,” Parag said in a BCCI video.

Parag also spoke about the surreal experience of sharing the dressing room with his childhood heroes, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, and the emotional moment when he informed his parents about his ODI call-up.

“Seeing my idols like Rohit Bhai and Virat Bhaiya, and now practising and staying in the same hotel as them, feels incredible. When I first got the news of my ODI call-up and shared it with my parents over a video call, they were in tears. It was an emotional experience and feels surreal to be here with all of you,” he added.