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Ex-RCB star calls Riyan Parag ‘quality cricketer’ but doubles down on ‘PR attack’ accusations

Sanjeev Kumar | December 5, 2025 8:22 PM CST

Former U-19 World Cup winner Shreevats Goswami sparked debate after his criticism of young all-rounder Riyan Parag's inclusion in the ODI squad amid the ongoing series against South Africa.

Goswami later clarified his stance, stating that his comments were about Parag's readiness for selection at the moment. Parag made his ODI debut during Gautam Gambhir's first series as India's head coach in Sri Lanka, where he scored 15 runs and took three wickets. However, he was not backed in the format. With intense competition for places in India's white-ball squads, Parag is currently far from contention for another call-up. Riyan Parag Is a Quality Cricketer - Shreevats Goswami Shreevats Goswami said that Riyan Parag is a talented player but added that he is not close to breaking into India's ODI squad at present. Goswami emphasized that his comments were about timing and readiness, not about Parag's ability. "Getting a lot of flakes here after Riyan Parag's name got thrown in. Let's keep him aside - he's a quality cricketer. My point remains: he is "at the moment" nowhere close to the ODI setup (the quotes are intentional)," Goswami wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Parag impressed during the unofficial India 'A' vs Australia 'A' series in Kanpur. The Assam batter finished as the top run-scorer across the three matches. He amassed 187 runs at an average of 62.33, as India 'A' secured a 2-1 series victory. The young all-rounder is a long-term prospect for India. He could become an important figure in India's white-ball setup moving forward. However, the team management might make a call in the upcoming assignments. Funny How PR Gets Thrown at Me All the Time - Shreevats Goswami Shreevats Goswami hit back at critics online, noting that people were accusing him of "PR." Goswami said he hadn't even checked the replies until he received abusive notifications. He added that simply watching cricket doesn't lead to understanding the game deeply. "Funny how PR gets thrown at me all the time, but when I use it, people get worked up. Wasn't even reading replies until a notification came with some %#++ words. Then I scrolled… random DPs and gamer names everywhere - proving my point," Goswami continued. "Following cricket doesn't mean you know cricket. Unless you've played at a certain level, you know how the game works, not the inside of it." I Don't Mind Disagreements - Shreevats Goswami Shreevats Goswami said that he doesn't mind disagreements but urged fans not to swear. He added that blue ticks and follower counts can be bought, but manners and ethics cannot, and that some users will always behave like "bots." "I don't mind disagreements. Just don't swear - it only shows who you are. Blue ticks and followers can be bought; manners & ethics can't. Some of you will forever be a "bot"." "All smiles. Some examples here. Amusing to see some profiles gets so my attention as well. Anyway. Happy life ya all," Goswami concluded.