Riyan Parag, who has been in sensational form during the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2023, is on the verge of earning his first-ever call-up to the Indian national team. The middle-order batsman has emerged as one of the standout performers in Indian domestic cricket over the past few months.

Despite facing heavy criticism for his lackluster performances in the IPL earlier this year, Riyan Parag managed to turn the tables with outstanding performances in the domestic circuit. Following the IPL season, he shone with both the bat and ball in the Deodhar Trophy, finishing as the highest run-scorer and the joint third-highest wicket-taker. He was also named the Player of the Tournament after amassing 354 runs and capturing 11 wickets.

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Riyan Parag continued his exceptional form in the SMAT, playing a pivotal role in Assam’s impressive run to the final. The Rajasthan Royals star set a world record by scoring seven consecutive half-centuries, accumulating an impressive total of 510 runs during the tournament while also showcasing his all-round abilities with 11 wickets. Currently, he leads the run-scoring charts in the competition and is the only player to breach the 500-run mark.

Reportedly, Riyan Parag is likely to secure a spot in Team India’s squad for the upcoming T20I series against Australia, scheduled to begin shortly after the World Cup’s conclusion. The series is set to kick off on November 23, just four days after the World Cup final.

Riyan Parag’s Resurgence: From IPL Criticism to India’s T20I Prospect

A source quoted in the Times of India stated, “Parag has consistently excelled in domestic cricket this season. His all-round performances are hard to ignore, and his exceptional fielding skills further add to his value.”

In terms of his T20 career, Riyan Parag has amassed 2043 runs in 98 matches at an average of 30, with a strike rate exceeding 140. He has notched up 18 half-centuries and also claimed 41 wickets in T20 cricket.The T20I series between India and Australia 2023 will feature the following fixtures:

• November 23: First T20 in Vishakhapatnam
• November 26: Second T20 in Thiruvananthapuram
• November 28: Third T20 in Guwahati
• December 1: Fourth T20 in Nagpur
• December 3: Fifth T20 in Hyderabad