Virat Kohli gave Riyan Parag a special message during the presentation of his maiden ODI cap, saying, “You have that ability to be a match-winner for India.”

On Wednesday, August 7, at the storied R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Riyan Parag made his debut in an ODI versus Sri Lanka. Despite his outstanding performance with the ball, Sri Lanka won the series 2-0, and he was unable to help India secure the crucial victory in the third ODI.

August 7, the day Parag received his first ODI cap from the famous Virat Kohli prior to the match, will always hold particular significance in his cricket career, even though the Men in Blue did not achieve the desired outcome. The former captain of India stated during the cap presentation that the all-rounder from Assam has the potential to win games for the national side.

“maiden of all, congrats, Ryan, on being selected to play for India in your maiden game. Apart from your performances, we all know that in today’s cricket, people who make the selections were observing you and saw something unique in you. And after talking to Rohit, GG Bhai, the selectors, and everyone else, they think you have something special,” Kohli stated in a video that the BCCI released.

You are capable of winning matches for India. Since I’ve known you for a while, I know you hold that belief in yourself, and I know that we all do. There is no better moment than now, with 0-1 down, to launch your international career. I want the best for you, with a significant presence on the pitch with the ball bat and fielding as well. Cap 256—Riyan Parag—“he continued.

These encouraging and uplifting remarks will undoubtedly resonate with Parag and motivate him as he attempts to establish himself on the global stage.

What was the outcome of Riyan Parag’s first ODI?

The third ODI saw Parag, who made his debut for his country last month in the T20I series against Zimbabwe, bowl nine overs in the first innings, picking up wickets of Charith Asalanka, Avishka Fernando, and Dunith Wellalage while giving 54 runs.

Also Read: Sanath Jayasuriya celebrates Sri Lanka’s historic victory against India in the ODI series, saying, “The entire country would have seen what we can do.”

In conditions that favoured spin, India was chasing a goal of 249 and lost half their team for 73 runs in the first 13 overs. At number seven, Parag stepped out to bat and struck a boundary off the first ball he faced. Eventually, following a 13-ball 15 in the 16th over, he was removed by the in-form Jeffrey Vandersay. Sri Lanka won the match convincingly by a score of 110 runs, bowling India out for 138 in 26.1 overs.