Riyan Parag Eyes India Comeback After Shoulder Recovery, Leads East Zone in Duleep Trophy Draw

Riyan Parag, returning from a shoulder injury, captained East Zone in their Duleep Trophy quarter-final against North Zone, which ended in a draw. Despite the match result, North Zone advanced to the semi-finals based on their first-innings lead. Parag bowled 22 overs in the second innings due to the absence of frontline bowlers.

Parag expressed satisfaction with his performance, focusing on regaining match fitness rather than statistics. "I just wanted to have some fun," he stated. "I haven't played competitive cricket in a long time... The shoulder feels much better now." The all-rounder, who was part of Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025, had been managing his shoulder injury throughout the season.

East Zone faced bowling challenges with the absence of Mukesh Kumar (thigh strain) and Mohammed Shami (cut toe), forcing Parag and Utkarsh Singh to bowl extended spells. North Zone, led by Ankit Kumar, secured their semi-final berth with strong performances, including an unbeaten 204 from Kumar and a century from Yash Dhull.

Parag, who is a standby for the Asia Cup, is hopeful for a call-up for India's white-ball series in Australia. He aims to continue his domestic form and earn a place back in the national team.