In the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) find themselves navigating a challenging start with Riyan Parag at the helm as stand-in captain. Parag’s leadership comes in the absence of regular skipper Sanju Samson, who is still recuperating from a right index finger injury sustained during a T20I match against England earlier this year. As the Royals faced off against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on March 26, 2025, Parag's captaincy was put to the test once again.
Samson's injury, which required surgery and subsequent rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, has kept him from taking on his usual captaincy duties. Although he has rejoined the squad, he remains unable to keep wickets or field, leading the team management to opt for a cautious approach. In the meantime, Parag has been entrusted with the leadership role for the first three matches of IPL 2025. This is particularly significant for the 23-year-old all-rounder, as he gets the chance to lead the team in front of his home crowd at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.
In the match against KKR, Parag was available as a specialist batter but was substituted by an Impact Player during the fielding phase. This strategic move aims to balance the playing XI while ensuring Samson’s recovery is prioritized. Despite being in a crucial leadership role, Parag’s initial stint has faced hurdles, including a heavy loss to the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in their opening match, where RR conceded a staggering 286 runs and lost by 44 runs.
Reflecting on his experience as captain so far, Parag expressed gratitude for the support he has received from both Samson and head coach Rahul Dravid. He stated in a pre-match press conference, “Not at all. I think everyone here is a professional. Everyone knows what to do when there is a new leader. Sanju [Samson] Bhai has been really helpful, and Rahul Dravid has also been a great support.” This camaraderie seems crucial as Parag navigates the challenges of leading a team under pressure.
As the match against KKR unfolded, the Royals sought to turn their fortunes around. However, despite Parag’s leadership, the team struggled yet again, ultimately losing to KKR by eight wickets. This defeat made Parag the first captain in RR’s history to lose his first two games as skipper. The loss to KKR came after a disappointing start to the season and raised questions about the team's strategy and performance.
The Royals, having lost key players like Jos Buttler and Yuzvendra Chahal in recent seasons, have faced difficulties in rebuilding their squad. The absence of experienced bowlers has been a significant setback, and the team’s lack of depth was evident in their initial performances. Parag’s captaincy decisions have also come under scrutiny, with experts suggesting that he needs further development to lead the franchise effectively in the long term.
Looking ahead, the Royals are scheduled to face the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on March 30, 2025, at the same venue. This match will be pivotal for Parag as he aims to secure his first victory as captain. Meanwhile, the team management is optimistic about Samson’s return, as he is expected to reclaim the captaincy after the first three matches, provided he fully recovers.
Despite the setbacks, the team remains hopeful that the Barsapara Cricket Stadium will serve as a lucky charm for them to regain momentum. Parag’s leadership, although challenged, is seen as an opportunity for growth, both for him and the team. As the IPL season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the Royals adapt and overcome their early struggles.
In conclusion, while Riyan Parag's captaincy has faced criticism due to early losses, the support from Sanju Samson and the team management could provide the necessary framework for improvement. The upcoming matches will be crucial not only for the team’s standings in the IPL but also for Parag as he continues to learn and grow in his role as captain.
