Riyan Parag is New Rajasthan Royals Captain for First 3 Games

Riyan Parag will captain the Rajasthan Royals for the first three games of the IPL 2025 season. This is because regular captain Sanju Samson is recovering from an injury. Parag has been with the team for a long time and will lead while Samson is unable to keep wicket.
By Newsroom | Cricket, India |

A New Captain, A Divided Reaction

The appointment of Riyan Parag as the captain for the initial three matches of the IPL 2025 season by the Rajasthan Royals has sparked considerable debate. While the franchise emphasizes Parag's long-standing presence and understanding of the team's dynamics, a segment of fans and observers have expressed surprise and, in some instances, disappointment, with many suggesting Yashasvi Jaiswal as a more fitting choice. The decision comes as a consequence of regular captain Sanju Samson's recovery from injury, requiring him to feature as a batter and impact substitute for the early part of the season.

Context of the Captaincy Change

The Rajasthan Royals have announced that Riyan Parag will lead the team for the first three games of IPL 2025. This move is a direct result of Sanju Samson, the team's usual captain, still recuperating from an injury. Samson is set to play as a batter and impact substitute during these initial matches, with the expectation that he will resume full captaincy duties once medically cleared for wicket-keeping and fielding. Parag, who has been with the franchise for several seasons, was identified as the suitable candidate to step in for this interim period.

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'First Thing he said was...': Riyan Parag reacts on being appointed as RR captain; reveals first conversation with Yashasvi Jaiswal - 1

  • The captaincy change was confirmed by the Rajasthan Royals on March 20, 2025.

  • Sanju Samson is expected to return to full captaincy responsibilities after the first three games.

  • Parag's interim role is intended to allow Samson ample time to recover fully.

Player Roles and Performance Metrics

The selection of Riyan Parag for captaincy has brought into focus the performance and perceived readiness of other players within the squad.

PlayerRole in Early IPL 2025Recent Performance (Selected Data)Team Standing
Riyan ParagCaptain (Interim)Captained 8 of 14 matches last season (2 wins). Individual form noted as an asset.Long-standing franchise player.
Yashasvi JaiswalBatter/Potential CaptainScored 435 runs in the same number of matches as Parag's interim captaincy, with an average of 31.Seen by some fans as a more deserving candidate.
Sanju SamsonBatter/Impact SubIntegral part of the Royals setup. Will return as captain when fit.Regular Captain.

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The data indicates differing contributions and perceptions of readiness among key players.

'First Thing he said was...': Riyan Parag reacts on being appointed as RR captain; reveals first conversation with Yashasvi Jaiswal - 2

Fan and Observer Reactions

The decision to appoint Riyan Parag has been met with a variety of responses from fans and observers, with a notable divide in opinion.

  • Support for Parag: Some acknowledge the franchise's long-term backing of Parag and his readiness to step into the leadership role. Parag himself stated he has "always felt like I was captaining Rajasthan from Day 1," suggesting a preparedness for the responsibility.

  • Criticism and "Unfairness": A significant number of fans have expressed that Yashasvi Jaiswal was overlooked, with comments describing the situation as "so unfair on Jaiswal." This sentiment is often linked to Jaiswal's consistent performance for the team.

  • Accusations of Nepotism: Several social media reactions have included accusations of "nepotism," particularly from those who believe Jaiswal was the more logical choice based on performance.

Riyan Parag's Perspective on Captaincy

Riyan Parag has openly shared his thoughts on his appointment, highlighting his long-standing connection with the Rajasthan Royals franchise.

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'First Thing he said was...': Riyan Parag reacts on being appointed as RR captain; reveals first conversation with Yashasvi Jaiswal - 3

  • Parag revealed that the news of his captaincy came to him just before a T20 World Cup warm-up match.

  • He expressed gratitude for the franchise's continuous support, stating they have "backed me, developed me, and pushed me to grow every season."

  • Parag also noted a feeling of preparedness, claiming he "always felt like I was captaining Rajasthan from Day 1."

Yashasvi Jaiswal: A Contender's Position

While not officially designated as captain for the initial phase, Yashasvi Jaiswal's name has frequently emerged in discussions surrounding the captaincy.

  • Many fans and analysts had speculated that Jaiswal would succeed Sanju Samson.

  • His performance statistics are often cited as evidence of his readiness for a leadership role.

  • The perception among some is that he has been "robbed of the position" despite consistent performance.

Sanju Samson's Current Status

Sanju Samson's role in the early part of IPL 2025 is clearly defined due to his injury status.

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'First Thing he said was...': Riyan Parag reacts on being appointed as RR captain; reveals first conversation with Yashasvi Jaiswal - 4

  • He will participate as a batter and impact substitute for the first three matches.

  • The franchise emphasizes his continued importance to the team's setup.

  • His return to full wicket-keeping and captaincy duties is contingent on medical clearance.

Franchise's Rationale and Long-Term Vision

The Rajasthan Royals' decision appears rooted in a strategy of continuity and player development.

  • The franchise has a history of backing its players, including Riyan Parag, even during periods of underperformance.

  • Parag's familiarity with the team's structure and his tenure with the Royals are presented as key factors.

  • The interim captaincy is framed as a temporary measure to ensure Samson's full recovery.

Conclusion: A Leadership Transition Under Scrutiny

The appointment of Riyan Parag as the interim captain for the Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025 represents a significant transition period for the team. While the franchise cites Parag's loyalty and established presence, the decision has divided fan opinion, with many advocating for Yashasvi Jaiswal. The situation is compounded by Sanju Samson's unavailability for full captaincy duties due to injury. The coming matches will likely serve as a crucial evaluation period, not only for Parag's leadership but also for the team's overall performance and the management's strategic choices. The club's consistent backing of players, even amidst scrutiny, remains a defining characteristic of its operational philosophy.

Sources Used

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Riyan Parag captain?
Regular captain Sanju Samson is injured and needs time to recover. Parag will lead for the first three games.
Q: Will Sanju Samson return as captain?
Yes, Samson is expected to return to captaincy once he is medically fit to keep wicket and field.
Q: Who did fans want as captain?
Many fans wanted Yashasvi Jaiswal to be captain because of his good performance.
Q: How does Riyan Parag feel about being captain?
Parag feels grateful for the team's support and feels he has always been ready to lead.
Q: When was this decision made?
The Rajasthan Royals announced this on March 20, 2025.