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Rajasthan Royals’ dynamic all-rounder Riyan Parag will reportedly make his India debut during the first T20I against Zimbabwe. The all-rounder received his maiden national call-up after an impressive performance in the 2024 season of the Indian Premier League. Team India, under the leadership of emerging batting star Shubman Gill, travelled to Zimbabwe to participate in a five-match T20I series, starting on July 6, where all the matches will be played in Harare.
The BCCI named a young 15-man squad for the series with some senior cricketers being given rest following a victorious campaign at the T20 World Cup 2024. Riyan Parag, who surprised everyone with his calmness, composure and approach in the latest edition of the IPL also received his maiden India call-up. As per media reports, might receive his cap and represent India in the first T20I of the series, which is set to be played on July 6.
Reports suggest that the Assam-born cricketer is all set to debut for the side and play his first game on Saturday. With several seniors missing the series, Parag is one of the first names who would make a debut in the first T20I. Talking about his performance in the 2024 season of the IPL, the youngster hammered 573 runs with an excellent average of 52.09 in the 15 games he played for the side.
Not only this, but he also came up with four half-centuries and helped RR advance to the playoffs seamlessly. In addition to this, Parag can contribute with his leg-spin in Harare where the pitch offers assistance to spinners in the middle overs.
India squad for first two T20Is against Zimbabwe
Shubman Gill (captain), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhishek Sharma, Rinku Singh, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Riyan Parag, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar, Tushar Deshpande, Sai Sudharsan, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Harshit Rana.
