"Clueless As*****": Virat Kohli's Ex-Teammate Targetted For Calling Out "Riyan Parag Fan Page"

The online space can be a dangerous place. Former IPL star Shreevats Goswami learned that the hard way recently. Goswami, who was Virat Kohli's teammate when India won the 2008 U-19 World Cup and also played for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, was recently targeted by social media trolls. It all started with Goswami making an observation on India's ODI line-up against South Africa. He wrote on X: "If Washi is someone who bowls 4 overs and bats at 6, Tilak can do that as well. He can roll his arm when needed and can add power-hitting & depth. I have nothing against Washi - he's a quality cricketer - but it just feels that if this is his role, Tilak can do better. No? #INDvSA"

In response, one social media user advocated the inclusion of all-rounder Riyan Parag. The 24-year-old Parag has so far played one ODI and nine T20Is. The user commented:

"Riyan Parag was the simple answer to this question. Someone who can score quick runs in the middle order (exactly what is missing) and give 4-5 overs with the ball. He was the in-form batter in the matches where Tilak struggled."

Goswami made a rather strong observation in reply:

"Not sure where this Riyan Parag fan page has been activated all of a sudden. He is and should be nowhere close 'at the moment' to an ODI call-up! So please... STOP doing the PR."

Not sure where this Riyan Parag fan page has been activated all of a sudden. He is and should no where be close “ at the moment “ for a ODI call up ! So please .. STOP doing the PR

— Shreevats goswami (@shreevats1) December 4, 2025

After that, Goswami claims he was targeted by trolls with cuss words like as*****.

He later wrote on X: "Getting a lot of flak 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). Funny how PR gets thrown at me all the time, but when I use it, people get worked up."

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).

Funny how PR gets thrown at me all the time, but when I use... https://t.co/mu9R590Qwq pic.twitter.com/YuYN8eEQBo

— Shreevats goswami (@shreevats1) December 5, 2025

"Wasn't even reading replies until a notification came with some %#++ words. Then I scrolled... random DPs and gamer names everywhere - proving my point. 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. 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 get so much of my attention as well. Anyway, happy life to you all."

Topics mentioned in this article

India Cricket Team Royal Challengers Bengaluru Virat Kohli Shreevats Goswami Cricket