Indian cricketer Riyan Parag has sparked a controversy with his recent comments on not being included in the T20 World Cup squad. Parag, who recently received his maiden India call-up for the upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe, did not make it into the T20 World Cup team despite widespread speculation about his potential selection. India went on to win the T20 World Cup, defeating South Africa in a thrilling final.
Following his exclusion from the squad, Parag appeared on one of India’s prominent podcasts, “TRS Podcast,” where he shared his decision to abstain from watching the T20 World Cup matches. His comments have since drawn significant criticism, most notably from former Indian fast bowler S Sreesanth.
“I’m actually not going to watch. I will only watch the final. I don’t want to watch cricket anymore because I want to play the World Cup,” Parag said during the podcast. “I think it’s a good feeling. I want to play the World Cup, play for the country. Once I see these people, it gets me motivated. But then, I feel I could be doing something else. Once I see a cricket game, I just run to the nets. It makes me feel like I am not doing something right. I’m lacking something and just go out there and smash balls.”
These statements did not sit well with Sreesanth, who voiced his disapproval on Star Sports. The seasoned cricketer emphasized the importance of patriotism and supporting the selected squad wholeheartedly.
. “Some youngsters have also said that they will not watch the World Cup because they have not been selected. I would say that first you should be patriotic then you should be a cricket lover. But those who have selected the team, they should be supported with all their heart, mind, and passion,” Sreesanth commented.
In the meanwhile, the upcoming T20I series between India and Zimbabwe has been generating considerable anticipation. Shubman Gill has been named to lead the Indian squad in this series. The first match of the five-game series is slated to be played on July 6 at the Harare Sports Club, with the final game scheduled for July 14 at the same venue, which will host all five fixtures.
India’s squad for the T20I series against Zimbabwe comprises: Shubman Gill (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhishek Sharma, Rinku Singh, Sanju Samson (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Shivam Dube, Riyan Parag, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar, and Tushar Deshpande.
The Zimbabwe squad will be led by captain Sikandar Raza and includes: Akram Faraz, Bennett Brian, Campbell Johnathan, Chatara Tendai, Jongwe Luke, Kaia Innocent, Madande Clive, Madhevere Wessly, Marumani Tadiwanashe, Masakadza Wellington, Mavuta Brandon, Muzarabani Blessing, Myers Dion, Naqvi Antum, Ngarava Richard, and Shumba Milton.
For the first and second T20Is, India’s squad will feature Shubman Gill (Captain), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhishek Sharma, Rinku Singh, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Riyan Parag, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar, Tushar Deshpande, Sai Sudharsan, Jitesh Sharma (WK), and Harshit Rana.
The selection of Parag for the Zimbabwe series has been met with mixed reactions, with some expressing excitement for the young talent’s inclusion and others still scrutinizing his controversial statements. Parag’s comments have sparked a broader conversation about the mindset and attitude of young athletes toward national duties and the role of sportsmanship and patriotism in professional sports.
As the cricketing world eyes the upcoming series, all eyes will undoubtedly be on Riyan Parag, both for his on-field performances and how he handles the aftermath of his remarks. This series provides Parag with an opportunity to silence his critics and prove his worth as an asset to the national team.
In other news, fans and analysts alike are eagerly waiting to see how Shubman Gill’s leadership will shape the series and what strategies both teams will employ. The young lineup is viewed as a blend of fresh talent poised to showcase their skills on an international stage.
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