Riyan Parag Acknowledges Virat Kohli's Enduring Influence After India Cap Presentation

Riyan Parag Credits Virat Kohli as Inspiration: 'The King Who Gave Me My India Cap'

Young Indian all-rounder Riyan Parag has publicly acknowledged Virat Kohli as a major source of inspiration in his cricketing career. He affectionately referred to Kohli as "The king who gave me my India cap" during a recent Q&A session on Instagram. This heartfelt statement came in response to a question about who has inspired him the most.

Parag, a rising star who made history in August 2024 as the first male cricketer from Assam to play in ODIs for India, received his debut cap from Kohli himself before the second ODI against Sri Lanka in Colombo. This moment was not just a formality, but a symbolic representation of Parag's aspirations as a cricketer.

In a video shared by the BCCI, Kohli delivered an encouraging message while handing over cap No. 256 to Parag: "Riyan, firstly congratulations for getting to play your first game for India. In today’s cricket, we all know apart from performances, people who are responsible for you guys getting selected were watching you and they’ve seen something special in you. And having spoken to GG Bhai, selectors, Rohit and everyone, they see something special in you.”

Kohli continued, emphasizing Parag's potential: "You have that ability to be a match-winner for India. I know you have that belief, I’ve known you for a while now and we all have that belief in you. No better time to step in today, 0-1 down, to start off your international career. With an impactful presence on the field ball bat and fielding as well, I wish you all the best. Cap 256, Riyan Parag."

Although Parag's ODI debut saw him score just 15 runs, his overall trajectory has been promising. He has accumulated 106 runs in nine T20Is, boasting a strike rate of 151.4. These performances provide glimpses of the aggressive style that has made him a standout player in the IPL.

As Riyan Parag continues to develop on the international stage, his respect for Kohli remains evident. Kohli's early welcome into the India squad has undoubtedly left a lasting impression on the young all-rounder's career.