Riyan Parag, primarily recognized for his hard-hitting abilities and six-hitting prowess, showcased a different side of his game during the second T20I against Bangladesh in Delhi. While Parag has made a name for himself as a destructive batsman, the Assam cricketer is also known for his leg-break bowling on the domestic circuit, where he has consistently delivered with both bat and ball.
In his solitary ODI appearance for India, Parag grabbed three wickets, demonstrating his potential as an all-rounder. On Wednesday (October 9), in the second T20I against Bangladesh, Parag got a chance to roll his arm over once again. Captain Suryakumar Yadav handed him the ball as India cruised toward victory, and the 22-year-old delivered immediately by taking a wicket in his first over.
However, before the wicket, Parag attempted something different and memorable. On the fourth ball of his over, Parag deviated from his usual leg-spin action and tried to imitate Lasith Malinga’s slingy bowling style, a unique action famous for its low trajectory and rapid-arm release. The attempt also reminded fans of Kedar Jadhav’s occasional slingy deliveries during his playing days for India.
Unfortunately for Parag, his bold experiment backfired. His version of the slingy action resulted in a back-foot no-ball, a rare occurrence in modern cricket. His variation threw off his balance, leading to poor direction and over-caution with his front foot placement, which resulted in the no-ball. Under MCC’s Law 21.5, the rules clearly state that “the bowler's back foot must land within and not touch the return crease, appertaining to his/her stated mode of delivery—behind the popping crease.” Failing to meet these criteria led to the no-ball call by the umpire.
Despite this hiccup, Parag's experiment highlighted his desire to try new things and improve as a bowler. His ability to pick up wickets alongside his destructive batting makes him a valuable asset for India. With further refinement, Parag is likely to develop into a more complete all-rounder, capable of contributing in multiple areas for the team. Though the variation didn’t work out on this occasion, Parag’s willingness to innovate and take risks on the field is a sign of his potential and versatility as a cricketer.
