'First Be Patriotic': 2007 T20 WC Winner RIPS APART Riyan Parag For SHOCKING World Cup Remark

After years of heartbreak and agony, Team India were finally crowned World Champions when Rohit Sharma and company beat South Africa by 7 runs in a thrilling finale to win the T20 World Cup 2024 at Kensington Oval in Barbados.  

As India's 13-year wait for a World Cup trophy ended, Rajasthan Royals batter Riyan Parag quickly came under fire by 2007 T20 World Cup winner with India for his shocking remark on T20 World Cup prior to the tournament. 

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2007 T20 World Cup winner rips apart Riyan Parag post India's T20 World Cup victory 

Despite having a decent campaign with Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2024, Riyan Parag was not even considered for selection in Team India's T20 World Cup squad. Upon being overlooked for selection, Riyan Parag shockingly claimed in a chat that he had no interest in watching the World Cup because he was not selected for the squad. 

This statement did not bode well with a lot of players and 2007 T20 World Cup winner with India, S Sreesanth took a jibe at Parag and ripped him apart moments after India won the World Cup.  

While, Sreesanth did not directly name Riyan Parag but he was heard speaking on Star Sports saying, “Some youngsters have also said that they will not watch the World Cup because they have not been selected. I would say that first you should be patriotic, then yes, you should be a cricket lover. But those who have selected the team, they should be supported with all their heart, mind, and passion,”.

This dig does underscore that Riyan Parag's comments about Indian Cricket Team have not gone well with a lot of veterans.

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Riyan Parag called up for Team India squad against Zimbabwe

Despite missing out on the World Cup, Riyan Parag received his first ever call up for Indian Cricket Team when he was selected in the squad for the T20I series against Zimbabwe.