As the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season unfolds, the Rajasthan Royals have made headlines with their decision to appoint Riyan Parag as the stand-in captain while Sanju Samson battles fitness issues. This choice has left many observers surprised, especially with experienced players like Nitish Rana available in the squad. However, Rana has publicly backed the management's decision, emphasizing that it was the right call for the team.
Sanju Samson, while fit enough to bat, has not been able to fulfill his wicketkeeping duties, leading the Royals to utilize him only as an Impact Player. In his absence, the young all-rounder Parag has taken the leadership reins for the first three matches of the season. Under his captaincy, the Royals faced some challenges, losing their first two matches before finally securing a win against the Chennai Super Kings, where Rana played a pivotal role.
Speaking before the Royals' match against the Delhi Capitals, Rana, who previously captained the Kolkata Knight Riders in 2023, expressed his understanding of the decision. "When I was made captain of KKR, I had been with the team for 6-7 years. That helped a lot because I understood the team culture and environment. Now, with RR, I think Riyan knows the team's setup better than me. And I think it was absolutely the right decision by the management," he stated.
Rana did not shy away from acknowledging that he would have accepted the captaincy if offered, but he prioritizes the team's needs above personal ambition. "If they had asked me, of course, I would've happily accepted the captaincy. But what matters most is what's right for the team. And I think they made the correct call," he added.
Rana's performance this season has been a rollercoaster ride. He began with a bang, scoring an impressive 81 runs off just 36 balls against the Chennai Super Kings, showcasing his potential as a key player for the Royals. However, his form dipped in subsequent matches, managing scores of 12, 1, and 4 not out. Despite the challenges, Rana remains unfazed and is committed to fulfilling his role within the team.
"Things are very different on the ground. Sometimes, the match situation demands something else. Often, a left-right combination becomes very important in a format like the IPL. In a couple of matches, I didn't get much chance to bat," Rana explained, reflecting on the dynamics of T20 cricket.
His adaptability has been a crucial aspect of his game, as he stated, "Whatever the team demands from me, I try my best to fulfill that. Earlier, I batted lower down the order. Then in the third match, they asked me if I would bat at number three. I said yes, and I scored around 80 or so. So I just try to deliver what the team expects of me. And I'm always okay with that."
As the Rajasthan Royals sit currently in eighth place on the IPL 2025 points table, having won only two of their six matches, the pressure is mounting. They are set to face the Lucknow Super Giants on April 19 at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, where they will be eager to improve their standing.
Rana’s experience and attitude could prove vital for the Royals as the season progresses. His insights into the game and commitment to the team's strategy are qualities that could help lift the team out of its current slump. The cricketing world will be watching closely to see how the Royals respond to the challenges ahead and how Rana continues to contribute, both as a player and a supportive teammate.
In conclusion, while the appointment of Riyan Parag as captain may have raised eyebrows, Nitish Rana's endorsement of the decision reflects a team-first mentality that is crucial for success in the competitive landscape of the IPL. As the Royals navigate through the season, the combined efforts of their players will be essential in turning their fortunes around and making a strong push towards playoff contention.
