Riyan Parag is an Indian all-rounder who plays domestic cricket for Assam and represents Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, where he has also captained the team. He bats in the middle order and can bowl both off-spin and leg-spin.
He was part of India’s 2018 U19 World Cup winning squad. In the IPL, he is known for hitting 5 consecutive sixes in an over and being one of the youngest to score a fifty. His father, Parag Das, was also a first-class cricketer for Assam and Railways. MS Dhoni has even played against his father in domestic cricket.
He made his T20I debut for India in 2024. In T20Is, he became the first cricketer from Northeast India to play for India. Against Sri Lanka, he took 3 wickets for just 5 runs in one match and also scored 34 off 13 balls in a high team total game. In ODIs, he debuted in 2024 against Sri Lanka and took 3 wickets on debut.
Top 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Riyan Parag
Born into a Family of Elite Athletes
Cricket is in Riyan’s blood. His father Parag Das played 46 first-class matches for Assam and is his coach. His mother Mithu Baruah was a national-level swimming champion who represented India at Asian Championships. Sports run deep in this family. No surprise he became an elite athlete too.
Picked Up a Bat at Just 16 Months Old
Riyan’s obsession with cricket started before he could properly walk. His father recalls him shadow-practicing strokes in front of a mirror at just 16 months old. He would grab the bat and hit balls so early that his family knew exactly what he was destined to do.
Father Gave Him His India Cap on T20I Debut
In July 2024 in Harare, an emotional moment unfolded. Riyan was handed his debut India cap not by a senior player but by his own father, Parag Das, in the team huddle. Making it sweeter, he took his first international wicket on that very debut. Unforgettable.
First Indian First-Class Cricketer Born in the 21st Century
In 2017, a 15-year-old Riyan became India’s first-ever first-class cricketer born in the 21st century. His debut for Assam came on November 17, 2017. That milestone marked the start of a career that broke generational records almost immediately. A piece of history right there.
Youngest Player to Score an IPL Fifty
During his debut IPL season in 2019, Riyan smashed a fifty against Delhi Capitals at just 17 years and 175 days old. He broke the record previously held jointly by Sanju Samson and Prithvi Shaw (both 18 years and 169 days). A teenager making grown-ups look ordinary.
Last Player Picked in His First IPL Auction
Before becoming the youngest fifty-scorer, Riyan was the very last player picked in the IPL 2019 auction. Rajasthan Royals grabbed him for the base price of ₹20 lakh. Compare that to the ₹14 crore captaincy contract he commands today. What a rise.
Jersey Number Tribute to Yuvraj Singh
Riyan wears number 12 for India, but his Rajasthan Royals jersey number 5 has a special story. It’s a tribute to his idol Yuvraj Singh, who famously wore the same number when he dominated world cricket. A quiet nod to a legend who inspired him.
A Gamer and Anime Enthusiast Off the Field
Cricket isn’t Riyan’s only obsession. He’s an avid gamer and occasional streamer with over 65,000 YouTube subscribers. He plays games like BGMI and Valorant. He’s also a massive anime fan. And constantly reference it on social media. A modern cricketer with geeky side passions.
Mentored by Kohli and Dravid
During a lean patch early in his career, Virat Kohli sat with him for 10-15 minutes, offering crucial advice that helped him bounce back. Alongside Kohli, Rahul Dravid also mentored him – not just on technique but on conduct and social media presentation. Two legends, one player.
Donated to Flood Relief at Just 17
Soon after getting his IPL break in 2019, the 17-year-old proved his heart matched his ambition. He donated ₹1 lakh to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to help victims of devastating floods in his home state of Assam. A teenager giving back – that’s class.
FAQs
Q. Where does Riyan Parag play?
A. Riyan Parag plays for Assam in domestic cricket. He also captains Rajasthan Royals in the IPL.
Q. What is Riyan Parag‘s playing role?
A. Riyan Parag is a middle-order batter. He can bowl both off-spin and leg-spin.
Q. What are Riyan Parag‘s early career highlights?
A. Riyan Parag was part of India’s 2018 U19 World Cup winning team. And became known for hitting 5 sixes in an over in the IPL.
Q. What is Riyan Parag’s international debut record?
A. Riyan Parag made his T20I and ODI debuts in 2024. And took 3 wickets on his ODI debut.
Q. What is special about Riyan Parag‘s background?
A. His father Parag Das was also a first-class cricketer. And he became the first player from Northeast India to play for India.
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