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Riyan Parag Vows India Return Post Injury Comeback

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'I’ll play for India again when I’m fit': Riyan Parag drops bold claim after ODI, T20I snub

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Riyan Parag Confident of a Triumphant Return to Team India

“I’ll play for India again when I’m fit.” These aren’t just words; they’re a declaration of intent from one of Indian cricket’s most promising all-rounders, Riyan Parag. Following his recent snub from the ODI and T20I squads, Parag has made it clear that his absence from the national side is purely down to a lingering physical setback, not a dip in form or ability. His confidence is a stark reminder of his resilience and unwavering belief in his white-ball capabilities.

For fans and selectors alike, this bold claim is a crucial piece of context. It shifts the narrative from a player struggling for form to one patiently waiting in the wings, ready to pounce the moment he’s at 100%. This is the kind of mindset that defines a fighter, a trait every successful international cricketer must possess.

The Injury That Sidelines a Rising Star

The root of Parag’s current exclusion is a significant shoulder injury. He first sustained this setback during India’s third T20I against Bangladesh in October 2024 . This wasn’t a minor niggle; it was severe enough to require a complete break from competitive cricket, effectively ruling him out of the subsequent international assignments and the early part of the domestic season .

His recovery journey was long and meticulous. It wasn’t until late January 2025 that he was declared fit enough to lead his home state, Assam, in their final Ranji Trophy league match against Saurashtra . This marked his official return to the field, a critical first step in his quest to prove his fitness to the national selectors. His comeback was later solidified with an appearance in the prestigious Duleep Trophy in August 2025, a clear signal that he was back in the competitive circuit .

IPL 2025: A Rollercoaster Ride

Before his injury, Parag’s IPL 2025 season with the Rajasthan Royals was a classic tale of two halves. He announced his presence with a stunning, aggressive 95 off just 45 balls against the Kolkata Knight Riders in May, a knock that showcased his explosive potential at the top of the order [[9], [18]]. This innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression, reminding everyone why he’s considered such a valuable white-ball asset.

However, consistency remained a challenge. In other matches, he had brief outings, like a 13-run cameo against Punjab Kings . Across the 14 matches he played, he accumulated 393 runs at an average of 32.75 and a healthy strike rate of 166.52 [[10], [12]]. While these are respectable numbers, they fell short of the breakout, season-defining performance that could have cemented his place in the national squad, especially when competing against established stars.

The Path to Redemption: Domestic Cricket

With the IPL season behind him and his international dreams on hold, Parag’s immediate focus has shifted to the Indian domestic circuit. This is where he must now build his case. The selectors will be watching his performances for Assam in the T20 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the longer-format Ranji Trophy with great interest.

His recent domestic T20 stats show promise, with an average of 11.33 and a strike rate of 77.27, though more substantial scores are needed . His leadership role for Assam is also a positive sign, demonstrating his growing maturity and responsibility within a team environment—qualities that the BCCI values highly. He needs to translate his IPL aggression into consistent, match-winning performances in the domestic arena to truly force his way back into contention.

What Does It Take to Crack India’s White-Ball Team?

The Indian white-ball setup is arguably the most competitive in world cricket. With a new captain at the helm and a deep pool of talent, the bar for entry is sky-high. The selection committee, operating under the BCCI’s evolving framework , looks for a potent mix of explosive batting, a reliable secondary skill (like Parag’s off-spin), and, most importantly, consistent performances under pressure.

Parag’s unique selling proposition is his ability to bat anywhere in the top six and provide crucial overs of off-spin—a genuine all-rounder in a team that often relies on part-timers for the second bowling option. However, in the current climate, he must prove that his recent injury hasn’t dulled his edge. He needs to show that he can be the same explosive batsman who scored 573 runs in the 2024 IPL season and replicate that form with unwavering consistency.

Conclusion: Riyan Parag’s Road Ahead

Riyan Parag’s journey is far from over. His bold claim isn’t just hopeful optimism; it’s a roadmap for his immediate future. He has acknowledged the problem—the injury—and is now fully focused on the solution: a complete physical and mental return to his best form. The path back to the blue jersey is clear: dominate in domestic cricket, stay fit, and let his talent do the talking. Indian cricket fans will be watching with bated breath to see if this young star can fulfill his promise and make a triumphant return to the national side.

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