GUWAHATI: Riyan Parag, Assam’s rising cricket star, has expressed his elation and gratitude as he fulfils a childhood dream of representing India on international turf.
Speaking in a video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Parag shared his excitement about the upcoming series in Zimbabwe.
“Ever since I was a small kid, I used to dream of this moment. And now that it’s happening, I am very happy. I will always have a special connection with Zimbabwe, it will be sacred,” said Parag, visibly thrilled as the Indian squad landed in Harare.
Reflecting on his initial moments upon arrival, Parag humorously recounted, “I was so excited that I misplaced my passport and my phone. Thankfully, I got them back and now I have them.”
Acknowledging the new faces in the Indian squad, Parag highlighted his familiarity with teammates, describing them as “old faces” due to their shared experiences in domestic cricket.
“Yes, it’s a very new team. There are a lot of new faces in the Indian squad, but since I have played with them for so long now, they are old faces for me,” he avers.
The Indian team, including Parag, Avesh Khan, and coach VVS Laxman, was warmly received at Harare International Airport, as captured in a video released by Zimbabwe Cricket’s official social media handle.
The T20I series against Zimbabwe holds significance as it provides opportunities for emerging players to showcase their talent and vie for spots in the national team.
With key players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja stepping back from T20Is, the series serves as a platform to bolster India’s bench strength.
The series commences on July 6 at the Harare Sports Club, with all five matches scheduled to take place at the same venue, culminating on July 14.
As anticipation builds among fans and players alike, the focus remains on the performance and potential of India’s budding talent in the international arena.
