Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes Riyan Parag still needs more time and experience batting in the middle order before being included in India’s white-ball teams. Ashwin’s reaction comes after former cricketer Shreevats Goswami criticized a fan for insisting on Parag’s inclusion in the ODI team.
Washington Sundar was promoted to No. 5 in the current series. He has scored only 14 runs in two innings. The left-handed batsman scored 13 runs in 19 balls in Ranchi, followed by just 1 run in the second ODI. He conceded 28 runs in four overs in Raipur, raising concerns about his place in the team and the clarity of his role.
Stop doing PR – Srivatsa Goswami on Riyan Parag amid South Africa ODI
Shreevats Goswami reacted to Riyan Parag’s inclusion in India’s ODI squad, especially as Washington Sundar struggles for form. When a fan suggested Parag as a good all-rounder, Goswami said the Assam cricketer is not even close to an ODI call-up and urged fans to “stop doing PR”.
Goswami posted on
Not sure from where this Riyan Parag fan page has suddenly become active. He is no closer to being in the ODI team “at this moment” and shouldn’t be! So please.. stop doing PR
-Shrivatsa Goswami (@Shrivatsa1) 4 December 2025
Parag made his ODI debut during Gautam Gambhir’s first series as head coach of India on the tour of Sri Lanka in 2024. He scored 15 runs and also took three wickets in his only appearance in the format.
Riyan Parag has not batted at that number for his franchise or Assam – Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin said that Riyan Parag has the potential to become a future option, but he also said that he still needs more experience. Ashwin said India needs a middle-order batsman who can finish the innings and bowl useful overs, something Parag has not done for Assam or Rajasthan Royals.
“Ryan is a good talent, he has runs in List A cricket and averages 41. The requirement at the moment is to come in at No. 5 or 6, provide the required thrust and fill some overs, so he won’t fit the bill as he hasn’t batted at that number for his franchise or Assam. He started as a finisher for RR and couldn’t get the job done, he has been successful as a good No. 3/4,” Ashwin posted on X.
Ok let me try it.
Ryan is a great talent, he has runs and averages 41 in List A cricket.
The need at the moment is to come in at number 5 or 6, apply the required pressure and bowl some overs, so he will not fit the bill as he has not batted at that number… https://t.co/wTGdgaN0Pd
– Ashwin (@ashwinravi99) 5 December 2025
Riyan Parag needs to show that kind of versatility – Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin said that Ruturaj Gaikwad is settling into an unfamiliar role. He said that Gaikwad is batting at No. 4 for India despite limited experience at that position. Ashwin said Riyan Parag will have to demonstrate similar adaptability if he hopes to fit into India’s middle-order plans.
“Ruturaj has now been given a chance at number four and it seems out of position for some people, but he has batted at number three or two in the IPL last season, which is now an attempt to show how versatile he can be.”
“Rutu’s example could be a matter of communication from the selection front (either the coach, selectors or anyone from the management) or his decision making. At this moment Ryan needs to show that kind of versatility to be able to get a place at 5/6. Humble dedication. We can always agree to disagree.”
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