Riyan Parag Takes Three On ODI Debut, Reflects Kohli's Aggression

Riyan Parag made his ODI debut for India on Wednesday, becoming the 256th player to do so. The all-rounder from Assam was chosen due to the spin-friendly conditions in Colombo, replacing pacer Arshdeep Singh.

Virat Kohli, Parag's role model, presented him with his debut cap and motivated him by calling him a potential match-winner. Kohli said, "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 you guys getting selected were watching you and they've seen something special in you. And having spoken to GG Bhai (Gautam Gambhir), selectors, Rohit (Sharma) and everyone, they see something special in you."

Kohli continued his encouragement by adding, "You have that ability to be a match-winner for India. I know you have that belief, I've known you for a while now and we all have that belief in you. No better time to step in today, 0-1 down, to start off your international career. With an impactful presence on the field ball bat and fielding as well, I wish you all the best. Cap 256, Riyan Parag."

Parag was introduced into the attack in the 25th over when Sri Lanka had scored 103/1 after an 89-run opening stand. He bowled two overs initially, conceding only 10 runs.

In the 36th over, Captain Rohit Sharma brought Parag back into the attack. By then, Avishka Fernando and Kusal Mendis had built a strong partnership of over 70 runs. Parag managed to trap Fernando leg before wicket with a leg break when he was just eight runs short of a century.

The Sri Lankan score stood at 173/2 after the 36th over. However, Parag struck again in the next over to dismiss Sri Lanka's captain. Just before this wicket, Virat Kohli had launched a sharp throw from short cover at Asalanka.

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Building Pressure on Sri Lanka

Mohammed Siraj capitalised on the pressure created by Parag by bowling a yorker and getting Sadeera Samarawickrama out LBW. Washington Sundar clean bowled Janith Liyanage in the 43rd over.

In the following over, Parag dismissed Dunith Wellalage with another impressive delivery reducing Sri Lanka to 196/5.

Final Figures and Team Effort

Parag ended his spell with figures of 3/54 in nine overs despite conceding two boundaries to Kusal Mendis in his last over. His fellow spinners Axar Patel (1/41 in 10 overs), Kuldeep Yadav (1/36 in 10 overs), and Washington Sundar (1/29 in eight overs) were more economical but Parag's performance was commendable.

This collective effort helped India restrict Sri Lanka to a total of 248/7.

A Promising Future

On his T20I debut as well, Riyan Parag picked three wickets. He achieved maximum turn among Indian spinners during this series at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

India seems to have found a promising batter who can also develop into an effective spinner through nurturing and experience.