Overview
- In a post on X, Ravichandran Ashwin wrote that the ODI side requires a middle-order option who can accelerate and bowl overs, saying Parag "won’t fit the bill" at present.
- Ashwin cited Ruturaj Gaikwad’s recent move to No.4 against South Africa as an example of showing flexibility that may reflect selection communication or personal initiative.
- Parag averages about 41 in List A cricket but has largely batted at No.3/4 for Rajasthan Royals and Assam rather than the No.5/6 slots selectors prioritize.
- Calls for tweaks followed India’s end-overs struggles versus South Africa and Washington Sundar’s returns of 13 and 1 with the bat and no wickets in seven overs across two ODIs.
- The debate escalated after ex-RCB player Shreevats Goswami questioned Parag’s ODI case, and Parag later said he expects to play both white-ball formats once fully fit from a shoulder issue.