Amid the storm that ripped through the Bangladesh bowling attack, leaving them in disarray, one particular innings stood out during the closing stages of India's record blitz - a dazzling cameo of 34 (of 13 balls) by Riyan Parag, as brief as it was breathtaking. However, at the same time, a lingering question started to form shape in my mind. It was a question that compelled me to take up my pen, jot down my thoughts, and present them for reflection. The question was this: Can cricketers, who have honed their skills in the white-ball format, truly adapt to the red-ball game, especially the grueling Test format? This thought lingered, prompting deep reflection on Riyan Parag’s potential to become a versatile, all-format cricketer for Team India. Could he join the esteemed ranks of players who have effortlessly transitioned between formats, mastering the unique demands of each? 'Can Riyan Parag crack the code of becoming an all-format cricketer for Team India?' Though some may also view it as stating the obvious, labeling Riyan Parag an all-format prospect, a nuanced caveat cannot be ignored. The harsh reality is that a few cricketers have successfully bridged the gap between formats, mastering the distinct demands of international cricket. Cricketing history has shown that the transition from white-ball to red-ball cricket is notoriously challenging. Players must adjust their techniques, temperaments, and strategic approaches to excel in the longer format. Even accomplished cricketers have struggled to make this leap. As this thought took root, I reviewed the progress of Riyan Parag, Assam's Golden Boy, who had recently stepped into the rough waters of international cricket. In mid-2024, Riyan Parag made history by becoming the first male player from the serene, verdant state of Assam-more known for the globally acclaimed Kaziranga National Park and the sacred Kamakhya Devalaya-to don the Indian jersey on the world stage. Riyan ParagRiyan Parag's journey into top flight international cricket mirrors a player stepping onto the crease under challenging conditions, determined to stay grounded and build a meaningful innings. Like any promising young talent, his path has been littered with trials, where he has had to display both flair and fortitude, much like a batsman negotiating a turning track against relentless spin. Born into the cricketing lineage of Assam, with his father Parag Das having been a former first-class cricketer, Riyan carries the weight of both his inheritance and expectations-making his journey akin to that of a young batter, eager to convert starts into big scores. The trajectory of Riyan Parag’s career, from prodigious talent to cementing his place in Team India, epitomizes the challenging transition from domestic cricket’s predictable pitches to the high-octane world of international cricket. His recent white-ball appearances, particularly the electrifying cameo against Bangladesh, showcased his devastating ability to clear the ropes at will, evoking memories of legendary strokeplayers, who could alter the course of a game with a few well-timed blows. In the same vein, India’s recent onslaught against Bangladesh, featuring Riyan Parag, Sanju Samson, Surya Kumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya, transformed the innings into a collective blitzkrieg. This explosive display underscored contemporary cricket’s capacity for rapid gear shifts and the enduring value of batsmen, who can consistently clear boundaries. Riyan Parag’s small but significant rise as a force in white-ball cricket, truly raises intriguing questions about his potential to transcend format boundaries and establish himself as a versatile, all-format player. Although, Riyan has not set the batting and bowling charts on fire during his brief international exposure, he has given enough hints of his cricketing potential. Riyan has been good without being great with his exploits in the 9 T20Is and his lone ODI stint for Team India, and hence there remains the more profound question of his ability to don the whites and succeed in the red-ball format. His First-Class performances, particularly for Assam, with three centuries and 51 wickets (including a 'fifer'), indicate that he possesses both the patience and the skill necessary to handle the longer version of the game. His top score of 155 and his impressive haul of wickets suggest that Parag is more than a white-ball basher-he is a well-rounded cricketer with a deeper understanding of the game's nuances. (Data Source: ESPNCricinfo website) Test cricket, the crucible where temperament is tested, is often a harder proving ground for players who have thrived in the more aggressive formats. Much like a bowler adjusting his line and length as the match progresses, Parag will need to evolve his game for the challenges of Test cricket. This format demands not just stroke-making but a sound defense, a batsman's ability to leave deliveries and an all-rounder's capacity to bowl with discipline over extended spells. It's a game of chess played over five days, where every move must be measured. Guwahati lad Riyan Parag dances bihu after scoring the winning run against Sunrisers Hyderabad in an IPL match | File PhotoPlayers like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, both modern all-format greats, have mastered the delicate art of balancing aggression with restraint. Their careers stand as a testament to the craft of adapting one's natural game to the needs of each format. Parag's journey could well follow a similar trajectory if he learns to modulate his attacking instincts with the patience required for Test cricket. As with players like AB de Villiers, David Warner, or Brendon McCullum, who adapted their dynamic white-ball games to thrive in Test matches, Parag too will need to develop the flexibility and cricketing acumen to succeed across formats. Riyan's experiences in the recently concluded Duleep Trophy'24, where his second-innings 73 helped the eventual champions "India A" put up a challenging total & secure a tight win, are a microcosm of what will be expected at the Test level: the ability to rise in crucial moments, to grind when necessary and to execute the big shots when the situation demands. His development in First-Class cricket, where his averages with both bat and ball reflect a solid foundation, suggests he has the ingredients necessary to succeed in Tests, but the final leap will require both determination and evolution. Much like the maturing of a bowler through spell after spell in a Test match, Riyan Parag's journey will require careful nurturing. Over the years, Indian cricket has shown remarkable foresight in handling young talents, allowing them space to grow without burdening them with undue expectations. The team management, under coach Gautam Gambhir's steady mentorship, is shaping a generation of cricketers who are not just skilled but mentally fortified for the rigors of international cricket. The future of Indian cricket looks bright with players like Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and potentially Riyan Parag, representing the next generation of all-format stars. While it's true that not every player finds it easy to transition between formats- the solid Cheteshwar Pujara, the phelgmatic Ajinkya Rahane, and the venerable Murali Vijay are prime examples of Test specialists from India, in the past decade or so, who couldn't crack the white-ball code-there is also a list of 'gifted' players who have mastered all three formats. For Riyan Parag, this challenge will be about honing his technique, working on his temperament, and consulting with senior players who have walked the path, he should aim to tread. The dawn of his Test career may still be on the horizon, but much like a Test match session where the first hour sets the tone for the day, Parag's first steps in international cricket have been encouraging. The road ahead may have its share of tough spells, but with the right guidance and determination, Riyan Parag has the potential to become one of Indian cricket's rare all-format players, a torchbearer of Assam's cricketing legacy on the world stage. With India’s transition phase underway, as seen with the retirement of Rohit, Virat & Ravindra Jadeja from the T20i scene, Parag’s rise to prominence is timely. I strongly suspect, Head Coach Gautam Gambhir, who has been tasked with overseeing India’s transition, will play a pivotal role in Parag’s development. As the cricket world watches, one thing is certain - this young gun has the potential to carry the legacy of Indian cricket forward with distinction. Will Riyan Parag become India’s next all-format sensation? Only time will tell, but the signs are promising.