“He needs to show that sort of versatility” - R Ashwin’s blunt statement on Indian youngster amid IND vs SA 2025 ODIs

Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin feels that Riyan Parag needs to gain some experience while playing in the middle-order before he can be in the white-ball scheme of things. The young all-rounder's name was recently dragged into a debate by former cricketer Shreevats Goswami, who felt Washington Sundar was not doing justice to the role in the playing XI.

Through a post on X after India's loss to South Africa in the second ODI, Goswami opined that Tilak Varma should feature as the spin bowling all-rounder in the side since Sundar's role was not defined. While a fan suggested Riyan Parag's name for the role, the former player replied that he should not be anywhere close to the ODI setup at the moment.

Ravichandran Ashwin shared his take as well, branding Riyan Parag as a viable candidate based on his numbers and potential. However, he feels that the all-rounder needs more experience while batting in the middle order and chipping in with more overs.

"Riyan is a fine fine talent, he does have runs and averages 41 in list A cricket.At the moment requirement is to come in at no 5 or 6, give the required thrust and fill in some overs, hence he won’t fit the bill because he hasn’t batted at that number for his franchisee or Assam. He started as a finisher for RR and that dint work, he succeeded as a good no 3/4," Ashwin posted on X.

Ashwin cited Ruturaj Gaikwad as an example of a player who is functioning in a role where he has minimal experience, but is succeeding at the same time.

"Ruturaj has now been given a chance at 4 and that seems out of position for some, but he has batted at 3 in the IPL over the last season or 2, which now looks like an effort to show how versatile he can be. Rutu’s instance could well be a case of communication from the selection front ( either coach, selector or anyone from the management ) or his decision. At this point of time Riyan needs to show that sort of versatility to be able to warrant a place at 5/6.Humble Submission.We can always agree to disagree," Ashwin added.

Riyan Parag has featured in one ODI in his international career so far, where he scored 15 runs and picked up three wickets during the 2024 tour of Sri Lanka.

Riyan Parag has been active in the Indian 2025-26 domestic season

Recently retained by the Rajasthan Royals (RR) ahead of the 2026 Auction, Riyan Parag has been actively involved in all formats in domestic cricket. He was the player of the series for India 'A' during their 2-1 series win over Australia 'A' in Kanpur, where he ended up as the leading run-scorer.

However, he has had to deal with a dismal start to his Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign for Assam. In five matches, he has scored only 39 runs, which includes a duck against Mumbai.