Riyan Parag Set to Lead Assam in Ranji Trophy Clash Against Saurashtra

Synopsis
Riyan Parag is back to captain Assam in their final league match of the Ranji Trophy against Saurashtra. After recovering from a shoulder injury, Parag aims to inspire his team to a strong finish in the season.
Key Takeaways
- Riyan Parag returns as captain for Assam.
- He was sidelined due to a shoulder injury.
- Parag's last match was against Bangladesh in 2024.
- Assam has yet to win a match this season.
- Saurashtra is competing for a playoff spot.
New Delhi, Jan 26 (NationPress) Riyan Parag has been cleared to make his comeback for Assam in the seventh round of the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season, commencing on January 30. The 23-year-old will take on the role of captain for Assam in their concluding league match against Saurashtra in Rajkot.
Parag's most recent appearance in competitive cricket was during the third T20I against Bangladesh in Hyderabad in October 2024. Following that, he faced a shoulder injury that necessitated surgery, preventing him from participating in the T20I series in South Africa, the ongoing series against England, and the Indian squad for the Champions Trophy. Nevertheless, his return to the field could aid in regaining match fitness, should India require his services as a replacement soon.
Having represented India in ten T20Is since his debut against Zimbabwe in July 2024, Parag is recognized for his explosive batting style and effective quick-spin bowling. Prior to his injury, his all-round capabilities significantly bolstered India’s lineup.
In the last Ranji Trophy season, Parag displayed his batting talent by accumulating 378 runs across six innings with a remarkable average of 75.60 and a strike rate of 113.85. He also emerged as the leading six-hitter of the season, hitting a total of 20 sixes.
Currently, Assam finds itself at the bottom of the Elite Group D standings with no victories in six matches (two losses and four draws). They will be looking for Parag’s return to motivate a strong finish. While Assam is out of playoff contention, Saurashtra is vying for a knockout spot, making this match critical for the home team.
Assam's squad includes: Riyan Parag (capt), Denish Das (vice-capt), Mukhtar Hussain, Mrinmoy Dutta, Rahul Singh, Dipjyoti Saikia, Parvez Musaraf, Sumit Ghadigaonkar (wk), Rishav Das, Anurag Talukdar (wk), Avinav Choudhury, Sibsankar Roy, Akash Sengupta, Pradyun Saikia, Amlanjyoti Das.