NEW DELHI: Dhruv Parashar, a promising 20-year-old all-rounder, made a successful debut in the International League T20 (ILT20) for Desert Vipers against Abu Dhabi Knight Riders on Saturday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. A crucial contributor in the Vipers’ emphatic 53-run victory, Parashar marked his arrival with a composed and effective spell, returning figures of 1/9 in 2.4 overs, including the final wicket of Alishan Sharafu.
Sharing the new ball with veteran Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir, Parashar demonstrated maturity beyond his years, conceding just five runs in his first over and returning later to make an impact at a critical juncture.
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The Vipers, now with four wins from four matches, lead the points table in the early stages of ILT20 Season 3.
Parashar’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable. Since making his T20I debut for the UAE against Afghanistan in December 2023, he has played 14 T20Is, claiming 18 wickets at an impressive average of 13.61 and an economy rate of 5.44. His ODI journey, which began against Oman in November 2024, has been equally noteworthy, with five wickets from four matches and a stellar economy rate of 2.90.
Speaking exclusively to TimesofIndia.com, ahead of the third ILT20 season, Parashar revealed his aspirations of one day playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
“My personal goal is to play in the IPL later on. But there’s a lot of steps to that. So, I am gonna take step by step, and try and improve my skills. Whatever opportunity I get to play in the league [ILT20], it’s a good time to work with the coaches and hone my skills,” he said.
The young cricketer credited his success to the UAE national team setup and the guidance of head coach Lalchand Rajput.
“Very grateful, I got the opportunity to represent UAE. And under Lalchand sir, it’s very good and I have lots to learn. He is a very experienced coach, so he always mentors me, guides me on what to do – maybe batting, bowling, fielding, and tactics in general. T20 is quite a tactical format. I am privileged to be part of the UAE team and just trying to give my best to that.”
Parashar emphasised the importance of representing his country and balancing his league commitments. “National duty always comes first. I always give a lot of priority and put my full efforts in it. After that, I look at the ILT20 and other leagues. That’s international cricket; you are representing your country. That’s very important,” he added.
Born in India and raised in Dubai since the age of three, Parashar’s journey reflects his diverse cricketing experiences. “I started playing cricket in Dubai when I was eight. I played a year in the UK in age-group county cricket and half a season in a club in Mumbai. When I don’t have national duties, I go to India or overseas to train, like this time in the UK to play club cricket,” he shared.
He attributed much of his success to his parents’ unwavering support. “Lots of support from my parents to give me that time and leeway to work on my cricketing skills. It’s something that you need to do throughout the year and be consistent with. Lots of consistent hard work needs to go through. They backed my dreams, and I am very grateful for that,” he said.
With an impressive start to his ILT20 career and his sights firmly set on the IPL, Parashar is determined to continue his hard work. “I am enjoying it and hopefully will continue to do well,” he concluded.
