'GG bhai, Rohit, selectors see something special in you': Virat Kohli feels Riyan Parag has the ability to become India's match-winner; watch video

Young all-rounder Riyan Parag who idolises Virat Kohli got his debut cap on August 7 before the third and final ODI of the series against Sri Lanka. As Parag became the 256th player to represent India in ODIs, Kohli lauded his ability to be the team’s match-winner. While handing the debut cap, Kohli said that skipper Rohit Sharma, head coach Gautam Gambhir and selectors see something special in him.
 

"Riyan, firstly congratulations for getting to play your first game for India. In today's cricket, we all know apart from performances people who are responsible for selecting you are watching you and they see something special in you. And having spoken to GG bhai, Rohit, selectors everyone, they see something special in you. You have the ability to become a match-winner for India,” the 36-year-old said in a video posted by Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on X.
 

"I know you have that belief, I have known you for a while now. And no better time than to step in time, 1-0 down, to start off your international career with an impactful performance with bat, ball and in the field as well. I wish you all the best, cap 256, Riyan Parag."

Changes in playing XI for third ODI

Captain Rohit made two changes in the side for the third ODI. He replaced wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul with Rishabh Pant and left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh with Parag. Rohit went with just one specialist pacer considering spin-friendly tracks in Sri Lanka. 

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Parag made his T20I debut against Zimbabwe last month. He has scored 57 runs from four innings and bagged three wickets. He played a crucial role in India's super over win in third T20I. 

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Parag’s One-Day record

The 22-year-old Assamese cricketer has played 49 List A games (One-Day domestic cricket) so far scoring 1,720 runs at an average of 41.95 including five centuries and eight fifties. He has been impressive with the ball taking 50 wickets. His economy rate is below five runs per over.
 

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