Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan, who has represented 3 IPL franchises since the 2008 season, has made a very bold prediction about Rajasthan Royals batsman Riyan Parag. After watching the Assam-born cricketer perform his best knock in the Indian Premier League, Pathan was intrigued saying that Parag has all the characteristics to represent Team India soon.
Irfan Pathan, who is on duty as a commentator for Star Sports’ Hindi entourage, was watching Riyan Parag’s heavy knock very closely. The all-rounder had had his eye on the youngster from the moment he made his debut for the Rajasthan Royals in 2019. During his initial years, Parag could only show signs of what could be expected from him, but last night well and truly represented what he He is capable of.
The 2023 season had not gone the way he would have wanted, but Riyan Parag’s consistent and hard efforts in the domestic circuit have paid off in RR’s first two matches this season.
After scoring 43 off 29 during Rajasthan’s opening match against Lucknow Super Giants, Parag continued his form last night. He hit a match-winner and man-of-the-match winner 84* off 45, helping Rajasthan score 186 as a target, something at one time seemed distant.
Irfan Pathan asks youth to be inspired by Riyan Parag
Irfan Pathan was quite active with his thoughts on X (formerly Twitter) and posted a series of Tweets thanking Parag. The first time Pathan tweeted about him was when the batsman racked up 43 in the win against LSG, stating: “Riyan Parag will have a great season…”
In the next two years, Riyan Parag will play for India…
– Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) March 28, 2024
Then yesterday, after Parag reached fifty against Delhi Capitals, Pathan took to X and wrote: “I’m already seeing the good signs. Brilliant by Riyan Parag so far 👏.” Then came the big prediction. While Parag brilliantly ended Rajasthan’s first innings by hitting 4 fours and 2 sixes off South African speedster Anrich Nortje, Pathan stated that the 22-year-old will play for India in the next 2 years. “In The next two years Riyan Parag will play for India…”
Never take Indian domestic cricket lightly, it is for your own good. Look at Riyan Parag. He is performing well in the final stretch of the IPL because he made tons of runs there.
– Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) March 28, 2024
And after Parag was adjudged man of the match, his fourth, Irfan Pathan gave advice to youngsters to take domestic cricket seriously and give it utmost importance. “Never take Indian domestic cricket lightly, it is for your own good. Look at Riyan Parag. He is performing well in the IPL because he made tons of runs there.” – Pathan’s latest Tweet is read in Parag.
Pathan defends Riyan Parag after fans’ comments
In the comments section of his first Tweet about Riyan Parag last night, a fan questioned Irfan Pathan’s judgment so early in the season. “2 Hello coincidences hue h sir (There have only been 2 coincidences sir)” – asked the fan. The former all-rounder gave a befitting reply by asking, “Don’t you follow Indian domestic cricket?”
Irfan was trying to highlight Riyan Parag’s performance in the 2023-24 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he scored 510 runs in 10 innings, averaging 85 with a strike rate of 183.