Cricket enthusiasts from Assam have nailed a lot of hopes on Riyan Parag as many see him as the first from the state who has the potential to break into the Indian team, but he has failed the expectations by large margins so far.
Chasing 290 in the second innings of the Duleep Trophy quarter-finals, East Zone was bundled out for 129 runs in the second innings on the fourth and final day of the match on July 1, 2023, Saturday.
In their first inning, East Zone scored 122 in reply to Central Zone's 189.
With 33 in 46 balls (5x4, 1x6), Parag was the top scorer for his team in the first innings while getting out at a crucial juncture.
ALSO READ | Riyan Parag: Is He IPL's First Nepo Kid?
East Zone started the final day on 69/6, requiring 220 to win from 90 overs, and fans expected East Zone to put up a good show.
Parag could only score 14 (1x4, 1x6) in 31 balls in East Zone's second innings.
He was the first wicket to fall on Day 4 at East Zone's overall score of 83.
Meanwhile, East Zone captain Abhimanyu Easwaran put up a disappointing performance in the match as he failed in both innings, managing scores of 0 and 11, respectively.
Easwaran, who had a record-smashing 2022–23 Ranji Trophy season, failed to meet expectations.
Much like Riyan Parag, Easwaran's dismal Duleep Trophy outing has disappointed a lot of cricket pundits and fans.
ALSO READ | Ranji Trophy: Cricket's Forgotten Artefact As IPL Reigns Supreme!
There was a huge debate among the cricket pundits when Easwaran was not picked for the Indian team for the upcoming West Indies tour.
Cricket enthusiasts from Assam have nailed a lot of hopes on Riyan Parag as many see him as the first from the state who has the potential to break into the Indian team, but he has failed the expectations by large margins so far.
After a forgettable IPL season, the Duleep Trophy failure has come as a double whammy, and fans in Assam doubt whether he will find a place with the Rajasthan Royals in the next IPL season.
Partha Prawal (Goswami) is a Guwahati-based journalist who loves to write about entertainment, sports, and social and civic issues among others. He is also a published author.