IND vs ZIM: History-Making Riyan Parag Receives India Cap From Father - Watch

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Riyan Parag made history on Saturday (July 6) after he made his debut for the senior Indian team in the first T20I against Zimbabwe at the Harare Sports Club in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Parag, who was among three players alongside Abhishek Sharma and Dhruv Jurel to make their debut in the series opener, also became the first male cricketer from Assam to represent India at the highest level.

The moment was made more special for the 22-year-old as he received his India cap from his father Parag Das, a former domestic cricketer, who is living his own dream through his son of playing for the Indian cricket team.

Parag had represented Assam in 43 first-class matches and 32 List A games. Interim head coach VVS Laxman in a wonderful gesture handed the Indian cap to Parag Das to present it to his son.

Das placed the cap on his son's head, shook his hands and hugged him before Riyan Parag shared an hug with his mother, who was all very emotional in the moment. Watch the video here:

Riyan Parag, who has been knocking on the selectors doors, finally earned his maiden India call-up on the back of terrific IPL 2024, in which he amassed 573 runs for Rajasthan Royals in 15 matches at an average of 52 scored at a strike rate of 149.22.

Earlier, in a video shared by BCCI, Assam's first-ever cricketer in the Indian men's team, Parag said that he had a childhood dream of playing for India and Zimbabwe will have a special connection to him now.

"The feel of donning India jersey, travelling with the side is different. Coming from Assam, I had this dream of playing for India. Really happy," Parag had said in the video shared by BCCI.

"There will be a special connection for Zimbabwe when I play my first match. That will be a special moment for that ground and myself, which would be very sacred."