Riyan Parag to return from injury and captain Assam in Ranji Trophy: Reports
India batter Riyan Parag is reportedly set to make his much-anticipated return from a shoulder injury, leading Assam in their final Ranji Trophy league fixture against Saurashtra. The 23-year-old all-rounder has been sidelined since October 2024 after sustaining the injury during India’s third T20I against Bangladesh, which required him to undergo surgery.
Parag’s absence has seen him miss a significant amount of cricket, including India’s high-profile series against South Africa and England. Additionally, the injury ruled him out of the Champions Trophy squad, further delaying his comeback on the international stage. However, the Ranji Trophy presents Parag with an opportunity to regain form and fitness while providing Assam with a vital boost in their domestic campaign.
India’s cricketing landscape has witnessed a renewed focus on domestic formats, with stars like Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, and Yashasvi Jaiswal making appearances in Ranji Trophy matches. This shift underscores the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) emphasis on domestic performances as a benchmark for international selection. Parag himself is no stranger to leveraging domestic success for international recognition. His breakout season in the Ranji Trophy, where he scored 378 runs in six innings at an astounding average of 75.60 and a strike rate of 113.85, played a pivotal role in earning him a spot in the Indian team during their Zimbabwe series. His tally of 20 sixes in that season remains unmatched.
Assam currently sits at the bottom of the Elite Group D table, making Parag’s return a timely boost to their squad. Known for his aggressive batting and handy leg-spin, Parag will aim to inspire his team in a challenging campaign. While the focus remains on his fitness and performance, Parag’s comeback in the Ranji Trophy could serve as a stepping stone for reclaiming his spot in the Indian team.
All eyes will be on the young all-rounder as he takes on the responsibility of leading Assam while navigating his journey back to peak form.
