Remember Riyan Parag? The explosive all-rounder who lit up the IPL and earned early praise under India’s new head coach Gautam Gambhir? He hasn’t vanished—he’s been quietly rebuilding his body and career at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru.
After months sidelined by a persistent shoulder injury that threatened to derail his momentum, Parag is now nearing full fitness. According to sources within the national camp, the 24-year-old has resumed full-intensity batting drills and, crucially, is bowling his full quota of overs without discomfort—a major milestone in his Riyan Parag recovery journey .
Table of Contents
- How the Injury Derailed Parag’s Rise
- Inside the Riyan Parag Recovery Protocol at BCCI CoE
- Why Gambhir Still Believes in Parag
- India’s All-Rounder Crisis Opens the Door
- When Could Parag Return to the National Squad?
- A Second Chance at the Big Stage
How the Injury Derailed Parag’s Rise
Riyan Parag was on the cusp of a breakthrough in late 2025. After a stellar IPL season—where he smashed 400+ runs and took 12 wickets for Rajasthan Royals—he was named in India’s preliminary white-ball squads under Gambhir’s new regime.
But during a domestic Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match, he suffered a rotator cuff strain while attempting a diving stop. Initial scans suggested a 6–8 week layoff, but setbacks prolonged his absence. By the time India toured South Africa and hosted New Zealand, Parag was still rehabbing—watching from the sidelines as opportunities slipped away.
Inside the Riyan Parag Recovery Protocol at BCCI CoE
The Riyan Parag recovery process has been methodical and science-driven. At the BCCI’s state-of-the-art Centre of Excellence, he’s been under the care of Dr. Rajesh Verma (Lead Physio) and strength coach Carl Ablett, who previously worked with England’s ECB.
His rehabilitation included:
- Phase 1 (Weeks 1–6): Rest, anti-inflammatory therapy, and passive mobility exercises.
- Phase 2 (Weeks 7–10): Resistance band work, scapular stabilization, and light shadow bowling.
- Phase 3 (Weeks 11–14): Gradual reintroduction of bowling—starting at 50% pace, then 75%, now full intensity.
- Phase 4 (Current): Match simulation drills, fielding sprints, and high-load batting sessions.
“His shoulder stability is now better than pre-injury,” a CoE insider revealed. “He’s even added functional strength to prevent recurrence.”
Why Gambhir Still Believes in Parag
Gautam Gambhir, known for his emphasis on grit and versatility, has long viewed Parag as a prototype of the modern Indian all-rounder—someone who can accelerate in the top six and deliver tight overs in the middle.
In internal team meetings, Gambhir reportedly cited Parag’s 360-degree stroke play and ability to bowl deceptive off-spin as “exactly what we need in subcontinental conditions.” With Hardik Pandya managing workload and Washington Sundar inconsistent, Parag’s skill set fills a critical gap.
India’s All-Rounder Crisis Opens the Door
Timing might be on Parag’s side. India’s current white-ball squads are grappling with a shortage of genuine all-rounders:
- Hardik Pandya is being carefully managed ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.
- Shivam Dube offers power but limited bowling impact.
- Washington Sundar struggles for consistency with both bat and ball.
Enter Parag—a player who can bat at No. 4 and bowl 4–5 overs of economical spin. In T20Is, where balance is everything, his return could be a game-changer.
When Could Parag Return to the National Squad?
While no official date is set, insiders suggest Parag could be cleared for competitive cricket by **early February 2026**. He’s expected to feature in the upcoming Deodhar Trophy or a domestic T20 warm-up series as a final fitness test.
If he performs well, a call-up for India’s tour of Sri Lanka in March—or the T20I series against Australia in April—becomes a real possibility.
A Second Chance at the Big Stage
The Riyan Parag recovery story isn’t just about healing a shoulder—it’s about reclaiming a place in a fiercely competitive Indian dressing room. His talent was never in doubt; now, his resilience is being tested.
With Gambhir’s backing and a national team in need of his unique blend of skills, Parag’s comeback could be one of the most compelling narratives of India’s 2026 season. The question isn’t “Where is Riyan Parag?” anymore. It’s “How soon can he play for India again?”
Sources
- Times of India: Where is Riyan Parag? Inside details of all-rounder’s recovery at CoE
- BCCI Official Website: Centre of Excellence Programs
- ESPNcricinfo Player Profile: Riyan Parag Career Stats
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