Nitish Rana Backs Riyan Parag's Captaincy Despite Being Overlooked by Rajasthan Royals for IPL 2025

Rajasthan Royals have had an indifferent season so far in IPL 2025, struggling to find consistent momentum. The team has seen leadership changes early on, with regular skipper Sanju Samson sidelined for the first three matches due to a finger injury, featuring only as an impact player. In a surprising move, the Royals entrusted young Riyan Parag with the captaincy instead of the more experienced Nitish Rana. Despite being overlooked, Rana showed maturity and sportsmanship, voicing support for Parag and praising his composure on the field, particularly highlighting Parag's game-changing one-handed catch against Chennai Super Kings. Rana's reaction has drawn praise from fans and pundits alike, showing his team-first attitude even in a challenging situation .Nitish Rana has expressed his support for Riyan Parag's captaincy of Rajasthan Royals in the early matches of IPL 2025. Rana emphasized that captaincy should not be judged solely by results, highlighting Parag's calm demeanor as a leader. He also pointed out a pivotal moment in their match against Chennai Super Kings, where Parag's one-handed catch to dismiss Shivam Dube was a turning point, complementing Rana's own explosive 81 off 36 balls.​

Parag was appointed as Rajasthan Royals' captain for the first three matches of IPL 2025, as regular captain Sanju Samson was recovering from finger surgery and was cleared only to bat, not to keep wickets. Parag, who has been with the RoyRiyan Parag Appointed Rajasthan Royals Captain for IPL 2025 Openerals since 2019, has also led Assam in domestic T20 cricket, showcasing his leadership capabilities

Nitish Rana Backs Riyan Parag's Captaincy Despite Being Overlooked by Rajasthan Royals for IPL 2025

Rajasthan Royals have had an indifferent season so far in IPL 2025, struggling to find consistent momentum. The team has seen leadership changes early on, with regular skipper Sanju Samson sidelined for the first three matches due to a finger injury, featuring only as an impact player. In a surprising move, the Royals entrusted young Riyan Parag with the captaincy instead of the more experienced Nitish Rana. Despite being overlooked, Rana showed maturity and sportsmanship, voicing support for Parag and praising his composure on the field, particularly highlighting Parag's game-changing one-handed catch against Chennai Super Kings. Rana's reaction has drawn praise from fans and pundits alike, showing his team-first attitude even in a challenging situation.