The UAE's young all-rounder
Dhruv Parashar was born in Pune, India, and plays international cricket for the United Arab Emirates, making his T20 international debut against Afghanistan on 31 December 2023 and his ODI debut against Oman on 1 November 2024. His record is that of a genuine all-rounder: 32 T20 international wickets at an average in the low twenties, with a best of 4 for 12 against Bhutan, and an ODI fifty — 50 not out against Netherlands — that showed his batting is more than a bonus. He has also played for Desert Vipers in the ILT20 before, joining as an injury replacement and debuting in the 2024-25 season.
- Role: Squad member
- Team: Gulf Giants
- Batting: Right-handed
- Bowling: Right-arm off-break
- Born: 20 December 2004
His signing by the Giants is a move between franchises for a player the whole league knows: a young UAE international who can bat in the middle order, bowl four overs of off-spin, and field anywhere. At $10,000 he is one of the bargains of the auction if he plays.
The local all-rounder
Parashar's role is to be the Giants' local all-rounder — the UAE player who covers two disciplines and lets the side play an extra overseas star. He bats in the lower middle order, bowls his off-breaks in the middle overs, and his economy in T20 internationals — under seven runs an over — is the number that matters most: he does not leak runs, which is what a captain wants from a fifth or sixth bowler.
He will compete with Shubham Ranjane and Meet Bhavsar for the all-round places, but his international record gives him an edge: 35 T20 internationals is more experience than most players in the squad, overseas or local. His Season 5 is about turning that experience into a regular place in the eleven.
Spin depth from the local core
Gulf Giants' spin attack is led by Tabraiz Shamsi, but the local spinners matter just as much: Parashar's off-breaks give Jos Buttler a different option from Shamsi's wrist-spin, and his ability to bowl in the powerplay — where his accuracy makes him hard to hit — is a genuine asset. On Sharjah's small ground, where the Giants play twice early, a spinner who does not go for runs is worth his weight in gold.
What’s next
The Giants open away from home, and their young UAE all-rounder gets his first outing in Giants colours: Sharjah Warriorz on Sunday 22 November, in the afternoon in Sharjah.
- Match 2 — vs Sharjah Warriorz: Sunday 22 November 2026, afternoon session, Sharjah.
- Match 5 — vs MI Emirates: Tuesday 24 November 2026, evening session, Dubai.
- Match 10 — vs Dubai Capitals: Saturday 28 November 2026, evening session, Dubai.
Qualifier 1 is on Tuesday 16 December, the Eliminator on Wednesday 17 December, Qualifier 2 on Friday 18 December in Sharjah, and the final on Sunday 20 December in Dubai.
The full list of every ILT20 fixture is on the ILT20 Schedule page. Follow every result as it happens on SialTV, with the points table updated after every match day.
Frequently asked questions
What is Dhruv Parashar's best T20 international performance?
His best bowling is 4 for 12 against Bhutan, and he scored his maiden ODI fifty — 50 not out — against Netherlands.
How much did Gulf Giants pay for Dhruv Parashar?
He was signed at the Season 5 auction on 1 October 2026 for $10,000.
When is Gulf Giants' first match?
Match 2 against Sharjah Warriorz on Sunday 22 November 2026, in the afternoon session, in Sharjah.