SportsTiger understands Rajasthan Royals batting star Riyan Parag and Kolkata Knight Riders all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer are set to be selected for Team India’s tour of Zimbabwe. This bilateral series, which includes five T20Is, kicks off on Saturday, July 6 at Harare Sports Club. The venue will be the same for all five matches.
Riyan Parag and Venkatesh Iyer had a spectacular IPL 2024 where both their teams qualified for the playoffs and Iyer’s KKR won their third title. Coming into the IPL after a successful domestic season, Parag smashed his career-best 573 runs in 15 matches at an average of 52.09 and a strike rate of 149.22 while being crucial in RR’s playoff run.
Parag & Iyer to be selected for Zimbabwe tour: Reports
On the other hand, Venkatesh Iyer played a floater role of the Knight Riders and excelled by scoring an impactful 370 runs at an average of 46.25 and a blistering start of 158.80 from 14 matches. Based on these performances, Parag and Iyer are set to be selected for the tour to Zimbabwe. This tour will be the Assam native’s first team with the senior men’s team while marking a comeback of Venky Iyer, who has played nine T20Is and two ODIs for Team India.
BCCI will do its best to make bilateral cricket stronger: Jay Shah
After the confirmation of India’s tour to Zimbabwe, BCCI secretary Jay Shah described the series as an effort to help rebuild Zimbabwe cricket. In a press release by Zimbabwe Cricket said, “The BCCI has always played a pioneering role in contributing to the global cricketing community. We understand that it is a period of rebuilding for Zimbabwe, and Zimbabwe Cricket needs our support at this juncture.”
“Our steadfast commitment to touring and supporting fellow member boards aligns with our principle of bringing about a positive transformation within the cricketing landscape. The BCCI will do its best to make bilateral cricket stronger and commercially more viable,” he added.