Riyan Parag is an Indian cricketer who has made significant strides in both domestic and international cricket. Born on November 10, 2001, in Guwahati, Assam, he is a right-handed batsman and a right-arm leg spinner, known for his all-round capabilities on the field.
Early Life and Background
Riyan hails from a family with a rich sporting legacy. His father, Parag Das, is a former first-class cricketer who represented Assam, Railways, and East Zone cricket teams. His mother, Mithoo Barooah, is a former national record-holding swimmer who represented India at the Asian Championships and South Asian Federation Games. Growing up in such an environment, Riyan was naturally inclined towards sports and chose cricket as his professional path.
Domestic and IPL Career
- First-Class Debut: Riyan made his first-class debut for Assam in the 2017–18 Ranji Trophy, becoming the first Indian first-class cricketer born in the 21st century.
- Under-19 World Cup: He was part of the Indian squad that won the 2018 Under-19 Cricket World Cup.
- Indian Premier League (IPL): Riyan was bought by the Rajasthan Royals in the 2019 IPL auction. At 17 years and 175 days, he became the youngest player to score a fifty in the IPL.
- IPL 2024 Season: In the 2024 IPL season, Riyan emerged as a standout performer, initially winning the Orange Cap and finishing as his team’s highest scorer with 573 runs at a strike rate of 149.22.
International Career
Riyan made history by becoming the first male cricketer from Assam to represent India at the international level. He debuted in a T20I match against Zimbabwe on July 6, 2024, at the Harare Sports Club. In a heartwarming moment, he received his debut cap from his father, Parag Das.
Career Statistics (as of October 2024)
T20 Internationals (T20Is):
- Matches: 9
- Runs: 106
- Batting Average: 17.67
- Highest Score: 34
- Wickets: 4
- Best Bowling: 3/5
One Day Internationals (ODIs):
- Matches: 1
- Runs: 15
- Wickets: 3
- Best Bowling: 3/54
Indian Premier League (IPL):
- Matches: 69
- Runs: 1,173
- Batting Average: 24.44
- Highest Score: 84
- Wickets: 4
- Best Bowling: 1/7
Achievements and Records
- Youngest IPL Half-Centurion: Achieved at 17 years and 175 days.
- First-Class Century: Scored the second-fastest century in Ranji Trophy history, reaching the milestone in just 56 balls against Chhattisgarh.
- Fielding Records: Holds the Rajasthan Royals’ record for the most outfield catches in a season, taking 17 in 2022.
Social Media Presence
Instagram: @riyanhparag Twitter: @ParagRiyan
Riyan Parag’s journey from a young cricket enthusiast in Assam to representing India on the international stage is a testament to his talent, dedication, and the support of his family. His all-round abilities and consistent performances make him a promising prospect for Indian cricket’s future
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