Tilak Varma's Injury Boosted Riyan Parag's Chances for India Call-Up Ahead of Sri Lanka Series: Report

Despite his subpar showing against Zimbabwe, RR batter Riyan Parag was called up for the upcoming white-ball series against Sri Lanka.

Parag, who batted only twice in the five-match series, was selected ahead of star performers such as Abhishek Sharma and Ruturaj Gaikwad, prompting much deliberation among fans.

In seemingly yet another addition to the tale, it has been reported that MI all-rounder Tilak Varma was suppsoedly in line to be selected. But, his recent injury impacted his chances and in turn, pushed Parag up the list to make the cut.

A source has reportedly told the Times of India that Tilak’s injury, on top of Parag’s all-round ability, was a key reason behind Parag’s inclusion into India’s white-ball squads for their series against Sri Lanka.

“Parag is highly talented and has improved his attitude towards the game by several notches. He’s now looking to stay at the wicket. To add to his value, he can bowl decently and is a terrific fielder to boot. The selectors want to nurture him for the future,” the source told Times of India.

Investing in future prospect has supposedly been the theme for selectors reportedly, who also have attributed the same as a reason behind KKR pacer Harshit Rana’s call-up as well.

“He (Rana) can bowl yorkers, slower balls and employ other variations at the death. That makes him a good option in white-ball cricket,” the source said.

The first T20I of the three-match series between India and Sri Lanka takes place on Friday, which will also mark the beginning of Gautam Gambir’s stint as the side’s head coach.

India’s squad for T20I series vs Sri Lanka:

Suryakumar Yadav (C), Ꮪhubman Gill (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, Riyan Parag, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Mohammed Siraj.

India’s squad for ODI series vs Sri Lanka:

Rohit Sharma (C), Ꮪhubman Gill (VC), Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Riyan Parag, Axar Patel, Khaleel Ahmed, Harshit Rana.