IPL 2025 is almost here, and Rajasthan Royals (RR) have made a big decision. Their regular captain, Sanju Samson, won’t lead the team in the first three matches. Instead, young player Riyan Parag has been chosen as captain. This news has surprised fans. Riyan is just 23 years old and doesn’t have much experience. So, the question is—will Riyan be a new hero for RR, or is this a big risk for the team? Let’s find out.
Why Isn’t Sanju Samson Captaining?
Sanju Samson is one of RR’s biggest stars. But he got injured during a T20 series against England recently. His finger got hurt, and he’s not fully fit yet. The BCCI hasn’t allowed him to keep wickets or field, so he’ll play only as a batter in the first three matches. That’s why RR needed a new captain, and they picked Riyan Parag.
Who Is Riyan Parag?
Riyan Parag is a young player from Assam. He’s been with RR since 2019. In his early IPL seasons, he didn’t do well, and fans trolled him a lot. But in IPL 2024, he made a strong comeback. He scored 573 runs, the most for RR that year. His batting got everyone’s attention, and he even played T20Is and an ODI for India. Now, he’s getting a chance to lead RR, which is a big test for him.
The First Three Matches
Riyan’s first game as captain will be against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on March 23. Then, he’ll face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on March 26 and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on March 30. These are tough teams. SRH was the runner-up last season, KKR is the defending champion, and CSK has Dhoni’s smart brain. Leading RR against them won’t be easy for Riyan.
What Fans Think
Fans on social media have different opinions. Some say, “It’s great to give Riyan a chance; he’ll bring new energy.” Others worry, “Riyan doesn’t have experience; this could be a big risk for RR.” Everyone’s waiting to see if Riyan can prove himself.
What History Says
Young captains have done well in IPL before. Virat Kohli led RCB at 22, and Suresh Raina captained CSK at 23. Riyan, at 23, will be RR’s youngest captain ever. If he succeeds, he could join the list of great young leaders in IPL history.
RR’s Trust in Riyan
RR has always believed in Riyan. Even when he wasn’t scoring runs, they kept him in the team. Now, by making him captain, they’re showing full faith in his skills. Riyan has led Assam in domestic cricket, so he has some leadership experience.
Final Words
Riyan Parag’s captaincy is a big opportunity. If he wins these first three matches for RR, he could become a new star. But if he fails, this decision might turn into a risk for the team. What do you think—will Riyan shine or struggle? Comment below and share with your friends!