It’s March 20, 2025, and cricket fans are buzzing with excitement! The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is just days away, and big news is coming from the Rajasthan Royals camp. The team has picked 22-year-old Riyan Parag to lead them as captain for their first three matches. This is a huge moment for the young player from Assam, who’s ready to show the world what he’s got. With the tournament starting on March 22 at Eden Gardens, Riyan’s new role is already one of the hottest topics in sports news. Let’s dive into why this move is special and what it means for IPL 2025!
Why Riyan Parag? A Fresh Face for Rajasthan Royals
Rajasthan Royals surprised everyone by naming Riyan Parag as captain instead of their usual leader, Sanju Samson. Reports say Sanju might miss the first few games due to a small injury from the recent India-Australia Test series. The team didn’t want to take risks, so they turned to Riyan—a rising star who’s been grabbing attention with his bat and cool attitude. Last season, he smashed 573 runs in 15 matches, making him one of the top Indian youngsters in IPL 2024. Now, at just 22, he’s getting a chance to lead a big team like Rajasthan Royals.
Riyan’s not new to pressure. He’s played some match-winning knocks and even bowled handy overs when needed. Fans on social media are calling him “the future of Indian cricket,” and this captaincy stint could be his big break. With the first match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on March 25, all eyes will be on how he handles the team—and faces off against stars like Virat Kohli!
What’s Cooking for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025?
The IPL 2025 season is shaping up to be a thriller, and Rajasthan Royals are ready to kick things off with a bang. Their first three matches are:
- March 25 vs. Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Jaipur.
- March 28 vs. Mumbai Indians in Mumbai.
- April 1 vs. Chennai Super Kings in Chennai.
These are tough games, but Riyan’s got a strong squad to back him up. Players like Jos Buttler, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Trent Boult are in the mix, giving him plenty of firepower. The team’s coach, Rahul Dravid, said in a press meet, “Riyan’s young, but he’s smart and fearless. We trust him to lead us well.” Fans are excited to see if he can bring his attacking style to captaincy too—something Rajasthan Royals are known for!
Riyan’s Journey: From Assam to IPL Spotlight
Riyan Parag’s story is one of grit and talent. Born in Guwahati, Assam, he started playing cricket as a kid and quickly made a name in junior teams. He joined Rajasthan Royals in 2019 at just 17, but his early years were up and down. Some fans even trolled him for big talk and low scores. But 2024 changed everything—he found his groove, scoring runs left, right, and centre. Now, in 2025, he’s not just a player but a leader.
Off the field, Riyan’s a chill guy who loves gaming and hanging out with friends. After the captaincy news broke on March 19, he posted on Instagram, “Ready to lead the Royals—let’s make it big!” His confidence is catching on, and Assam fans are super proud to see their boy shine on the IPL stage.
Why This Matters for IPL 2025 and Indian Cricket
Riyan Parag’s captaincy isn’t just about Rajasthan Royals—it’s a sign of change in Indian cricket. Young players like him, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shubman Gill are taking over from the old guard. With legends like MS Dhoni retired and Virat Kohli in his late 30s, the IPL is becoming a launchpad for the next generation. Riyan leading a team at 22 shows how much trust teams have in fresh talent.
Plus, IPL 2025 is extra special with the mega auction done. New faces, big buys like Rishabh Pant (₹27 crore to Lucknow Super Giants), and surprises like Kolkata Knight Riders picking Ajinkya Rahane as captain are shaking things up. Riyan’s stint could set the tone for Rajasthan Royals’ season—will they chase their second IPL title after 2008?
What Fans and Experts Are Saying
The internet is on fire with this news! On X, fans posted, “Riyan Parag captain? This is wild—can’t wait to see him boss it!” Some experts, like ex-cricketer Aakash Chopra, praised the move, saying, “He’s got the spark to lead. This could be his defining moment.” But a few wonder if he’s too young for the job—only time will tell!
Rajasthan Royals fans are planning big cheers for their new captain. With the first game just days away, the excitement is building fast. Will Riyan Parag turn this chance into gold? Stay tuned for IPL 2025—it’s going to be a crazy ride!
