Riyan Parag and Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma in frame. Credits- AFP
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced India A's squad for the upcoming Tri-Series in Sri Lanka. The young brigade will lock horns against Sri Lanka A and Afghanistan A under the Tilak Varma's leadership, with Riyan Parag his deputy.
The highlights of the selection have been the inclusion of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh and Anshul Kamboj, who have been backed for their performances in the ongoing IPL 2026.
However, the Indian selectors have decided to field a blend of the IPL performers and the talented young names from across the country. Thus, the likes of Riyan Parag, Ayush Badoni, and Vipraj Nigam have been picked despite having mediocre campaigns.
Assam CM appreciates Riyan Parag for India A vice captaincy
Although Riyan Parag's place has been the talk of the hour, Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma decided to congratulate his state's "local boy" for earning the honours to vice captain India A.
While taking to his official X handle, the CM appreciated the Rajasthan Royals captain for his remarkable journey from "Assam to the national stage". Furthermore, he coined that Parag's achievement will inspire countless young cricketers of Assam.
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"Congratulations to Assam’s very own Riyan Parag for earning the responsibility of Vice-Captain of India A for the Sri Lanka tri-series," Himanta Biswa Sarma said by posting on his X handle.
"From Assam to the national stage, he has played every innings with confidence and class. His achievement will inspire countless young cricketers of Assam to pick up the bat and dream big for India," the Assam CM added.
Mediocre returns in IPL 2026 for Riyan Parag
RR Captain Riyan Parag is personally not having a good campaign with the bat. In IPL 2026, the talented right-handed has notched 206 runs in 10 innings at a poor average just over 20. Apart from 90 runs vs DC, he hasn't contributed much to the team's cause.
Moreover, he missed RR's previous game due to a hamstring injury. Although he is not having a good with the bat, the talented cricketer is a quality all-rounder, who become the first male cricketer from Assam to represent India.
In his brief international career, Parag has played one ODI and 9 T20Is, but he has not anything noteworthy at the highest level so far.
Can RR still qualify for playoffs?
Having said that, Riyan Parag has led the Rajasthan Royals exceptionally in his maiden season as a full-time captain. Under him, RR have won six matches, winning the first four matches of the season in a row.
However, the Royals have lost the plot in the second half of the season, as they are currently placed sixth on the IPL 2026 Points Table. The Riyan Parag-led side still have a chance to qualify for the playoffs, by winning two out of their remaining three matches.
Rajasthan's next fixture is against DC in Delhi on Sunday (May 17).
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