Riyan Parag's all-format India call up demanded shamelessly despite consistent IPL failure
Indian cricket has always been a hotbed of debates and controversies, but few selection discussions have stirred as much confusion as the recent clamoring for Riyan Parag's inclusion in India's national team across formats. Despite multiple underwhelming seasons in the IPL, certain sections of fans and even some cricketing experts have continued to push for his place in the Indian squad. The question is: Does Parag truly deserve an India call-up, or is this demand driven purely by hype rather than performance?
Riyan Parag's IPL Struggles: The Reality Check
Ever since he burst onto the IPL scene as a promising young all-rounder for Rajasthan Royals, Riyan Parag has been seen as a potential future star. However, the numbers tell a different story. Season after season, Parag has failed to deliver impactful performances with the bat, often crumbling under pressure and showing little consistency.
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His career IPL statistics paint a worrying picture. Despite playing multiple seasons, he has struggled to average even 20 with the bat while maintaining a strike rate that does not justify his role as a middle-order finisher. For a player batting in crucial overs, converting starts into match-winning knocks is an essential trait—one that Parag has yet to master.
Yet, despite these repeated failures, the demand for his inclusion in the national team has been growing louder. This raises a pertinent question: On what basis should a player who has not proven himself in domestic or IPL cricket be fast-tracked into the Indian team?
Social Media Hype vs. Ground Reality
One of the biggest reasons behind the unwarranted hype around Riyan Parag is his social media presence and self-confidence. The young cricketer is often vocal about his ambitions and self-belief, which, while commendable, does not translate into on-field performances. A few explosive innings in domestic cricket have been magnified by his supporters as evidence of his ‘immense potential,' conveniently ignoring his long stretches of poor form in high-pressure T20 leagues.
Parag has had ample opportunities in the IPL, but instead of showing marked improvement, he has continued to falter. Unlike young talents like Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, or Tilak Varma—who have earned their national call-ups through sustained performances—Parag has yet to justify his hype.
Selectors' Perspective: Why He Doesn't Fit in India's Plans
For a player to break into the Indian team, especially in the all-rounder role, they must have at least one standout skill—either match-winning batting or bowling prowess. Unfortunately, Parag has failed to establish himself as a dominant force in either department.
As a batsman: His inconsistency makes him a liability in the middle order, where India already has established performers like Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, and Rinku Singh.
As a bowler: His part-time off-spin lacks the bite and control needed to trouble international batters, making him an unreliable option.
Moreover, with India's talent pipeline being stronger than ever, the selectors have the luxury of choosing from a vast pool of performers who have consistently delivered at the domestic and IPL levels. Players like Rajat Patidar, Abhishek Sharma, and Ruturaj Gaikwad have demonstrated the ability to rise to the occasion far better than Parag.
The Way Forward for Parag
Rather than banking on external voices demanding his selection, Riyan Parag needs to let his performances do the talking. He must improve his consistency in the IPL and establish himself as a reliable middle-order batter. Additionally, developing his bowling skills to become a true all-rounder could strengthen his case for an India call-up in the future.
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Conclusion: Deserving Players Must Be Prioritized
The Indian team is built on meritocracy, and selection should be based solely on performances, not social media campaigns or unwarranted backing. While Riyan Parag may still have the potential to represent India in the future, his current performances do not warrant an all-format call-up. For now, the focus should remain on players who have proven their worth through sheer performances rather than those who thrive on hype.
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