Riyan Parag Emphasises Game-Time and Recovery Over Results in Duleep Trophy Return

Riyan Parag Emphasises Game-Time and Recovery Over Results in Duleep Trophy Return

Riyan Parag, returning to top-level domestic cricket after a shoulder injury layoff, said his focus during the 2025-26 Duleep Trophy was on getting back into the rhythm of competitive cricket rather than chasing performances. Leading East Zone in the quarter-final clash against North Zone, Parag admitted that he was simply looking to enjoy the game and test his fitness after an extended recovery period.

“It was good,” Parag said at the end of the drawn game. “That was the main goal when I came here — to play the game. Performances, I didn't really focus on that much. I just wanted to have some fun."

Parag, who last played competitive cricket during IPL 2025 for Rajasthan Royals — where he finished as the team’s second-highest run-scorer — had been managing significant shoulder stress through that period. His last outing for India came in a T20I against Bangladesh in October 2024, before undergoing surgery.

Despite being dismissed for 39 in East Zone’s only innings and not bowling in the first, Parag was forced to bowl 22 overs in the second innings due to injury setbacks in the squad. East Zone had to rely on part-timers after Mukesh Kumar picked up a thigh strain on Day 1 and Mohammed Shami missed the final day with a toe injury.

“That was one of the tough things to manage,” Parag said. “Shami bhaiya didn’t bowl, Mukesh got injured, and I’m coming back from injury, so I had to bowl 20 overs. Utkarsh Singh, who’s not a frontline bowler, had to bowl 30 overs. But we take it as a loss and move on.”

North Zone advanced to the semi-finals on the basis of a first-innings lead after racking up 658 for 4 in the second innings, capitalising on a 175-run advantage from the first. Parag acknowledged North Zone’s superiority, stating, “They played better cricket. We could’ve bowled better in the first innings and put more runs on the board. Once they got a big lead, they batted freely, and the last day was just a formality.”

Looking Ahead: Asia Cup, Australia Tour & Domestic Season

Parag has been named among the stand-bys for the Asia Cup and is eyeing selection for the upcoming white-ball tour of Australia in October-November.

“I was in the T20 setup, then took a break for the shoulder. Ranji is coming, then the Australia tour — if I get selected, I’ll go. Otherwise, I’ll play domestic and do what I’ve been doing: top-score every game, have a good IPL, and aim to play for India again.”

North Zone’s Dominance: Ankit Kumar Leads From the Front

Ankit Kumar, standing in as North Zone captain in the absence of Shubman Gill, guided his team to the semis with a composed leadership display and a standout batting performance. The opener narrowly missed out on a maiden first-class double-century, getting dismissed for 198, while Ayush Badoni (204*) and Yash Dhull (133) powered North to a commanding second-innings total.

“I am captaining at this level for the first time,” Ankit said. “There was a little pressure, but we stuck to our Ranji Trophy process — bowl well, bat well. It was a complete team effort.”

North Zone’s bowling attack was managed carefully with Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana both set to join India’s squad for the Asia Cup. “We wanted them to stay fresh for the national duty,” Ankit added.

Summary:

  • Match Result: Draw (North Zone advanced on first-innings lead)

  • East Zone Highlights:

    • Riyan Parag: 39 runs, 22 overs bowled

    • Key bowlers injured: Mukesh Kumar (thigh strain), Mohammed Shami (toe injury)

  • North Zone Highlights:

    • Ankit Kumar: 198

    • Ayush Badoni: 204*

    • Yash Dhull: 133

    • Strong team effort secured first-innings lead

With the semi-finals approaching, North Zone will carry momentum from their dominant display, while Parag shifts his focus to regaining peak form ahead of a crucial season in his international aspirations.