The 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been record-breaking so far and also at the same time it has brought a lot of surprises. One such surprise is the star Rajasthan Royals (RR) batter Riyan Parag. Parag is currently experiencing a season of redemption. Despite facing years of criticism and trolls for his batting performances, particularly his lack of runs for the Royals, the Assam all-rounder has transformed the storyline this season.

In the eight innings, the star RR batter has scored 332 runs at an average of 55.33 along with a strike rate of 159.61. Parag is currently the second-highest run-scorer for RR in the ongoing IPL 2024. The 23-year-old’s onslaught wasn’t just about power but also impeccable timing with traditional cricketing strokes.

While it may be premature to speculate, if Riyan Parag sustains this level of performance throughout IPL 2024, he could potentially secure an unexpected opportunity to be considered for the Indian T20 World Cup squad, even as a backup. With the selection of the major tournament just around the corner let us look at the top three players whom Parag can replace.

1- Shubman Gill

The 2024 edition of the IPL has not been great for the star India batter, Shubman Gill who has struggled with the bat in hand. In the 10 innings so far in IPL 2024, the Gujarat Titans (GT) skipper has scored 320 runs so far with an average of 35.55 and a strike rate of 140.96 which is below par as far as his stature is considered. With Rohit Sharma solidifying his position as captain as well as an opener and Virat Kohli enjoying a prolific season as an opener, the team management may seek a reliable middle-order option. Riyan Parag’s current batting form could make him a crucial asset in the middle order.

2- Ravindra Jadeja

With Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal emerging as the top contenders for the spinner’s position in the T20 World Cup 2024, Ravindra Jadeja’s lackluster form is not bolstering his case. While Jadeja has shone with the bat in the IPL, Parag showcased his bowling prowess in domestic cricket by securing 11 wickets in SMAT, the second-highest for his team. Given Jadeja’s mediocre batting performance and lack of reliability as a finisher in T20 cricket, India should seriously consider including Parag in the T20 World Cup squad.

3- Yashasvi Jaiswal

Like Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal’s bid for World Cup selection is also in jeopardy. Despite scoring a century against Mumbai Indians (MI), he has faced difficulties throughout the tournament. In the nine innings which the left-hand batter has played in the tournament so far he has scored 249 runs at an average of 31.12. Out of these 249 runs in the tournament so far, 104 runs were scored in a single game. Hence, if the Indian team wishes to strengthen their middle order, then the case of Riyan Parag can be accessed in the middle order.

See Also: https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-analysis/indias-probable-squad-for-t20-world-cup-2024