Riyan Parag, just 23, is set to captain Rajasthan Royals against Sunrisers Hyderabad — a season opener packed with fresh faces, unfinished business, and high stakes.
A Fresh Start with Lingering Memories
Rajasthan Royals begin their IPL 2025 campaign with a familiar opponent — Sunrisers Hyderabad. The last time these two clashed, it was heartbreak for Rajasthan, falling short by 36 runs in the IPL 2024 Qualifier 2. That loss ended their hopes of reaching the final, a wound that hasn’t quite healed.
Now, they’re back, retooled and revamped after the mega auction. New faces, new strategies, and a new leader. With Sanju Samson sidelined due to injury, Riyan Parag steps up as stand-in captain for the first three matches. It’s a big moment — Parag becomes Rajasthan Royals’ youngest-ever skipper and the fifth-youngest captain in IPL history.
Sunrisers Hyderabad, on the other hand, have their own powerhouse leader: Australia’s Pat Cummins. Fresh from leading his national team to World Cup and World Test Championship glory, Cummins is no stranger to high-pressure situations. It’s a captaincy duel that could shape the early season narrative.
The Numbers Tell a Story
The Royals have been struggling — just one win in their last five matches. Losses against Chennai Super Kings, Punjab Kings, and a rain-abandoned match against Kolkata Knight Riders paint a rough picture.
SRH, meanwhile, have a mixed bag of form. They won three of their last five, though both losses came against KKR, including the crushing defeat in the 2024 final.
Here’s a look at the recent form:
| Opponent | Venue | RR Result | SRH Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| SRH | Chennai | Lost (36 runs) | Won (36 runs) |
| RCB | Ahmedabad | Won (4 wickets) | N/A |
| KKR | Guwahati | Abandoned | Lost (8 wickets) |
| PBKS | Guwahati | Lost (5 wickets) | Won (4 wickets) |
| CSK | Chennai | Lost (5 wickets) | N/A |
Riyan Parag: Captaincy’s Youngest Challenger
For Riyan Parag, this is more than just an opportunity — it’s a shot at rewriting his IPL story. Known for flashes of brilliance with the bat and his electric fielding, Parag’s leadership will be under the microscope.
Adding weight to his corner is Rahul Dravid, Rajasthan’s newly appointed head coach. The Indian cricketing legend brings a steady hand and tactical genius to guide the young captain through the storm.
But Rajasthan’s youthful energy doesn’t stop with Parag. Their squad features the 13-year-old sensation, Vaibhav Suryavanshi — the youngest-ever IPL player. While it’s unclear if he’ll debut this early, his raw talent and fearless batting have already drawn comparisons to a young Rishabh Pant.
Sunrisers Hyderabad: Cummins at the Helm
Pat Cummins leads a Sunrisers squad hungry for redemption. With key players retained and some big auction signings, they look balanced and dangerous.
- Top Order Strength: Abhishek Sharma and Rahul Tripathi provide firepower upfront.
- Middle Order Muscle: Aiden Markram and Heinrich Klaasen offer stability and big-hitting.
- Bowling Arsenal: Cummins spearheads a pace attack alongside T Natarajan, while Afghan spinner Fazalhaq Farooqi adds variety.
Hyderabad’s strategy likely revolves around using their bowling depth to stifle Rajasthan’s younger lineup. Cummins’ tactical nous could be the difference-maker.
Head-to-Head: A Rivalry Renewed
Rajasthan and Hyderabad have faced off 20 times in IPL history. SRH leads the head-to-head with 11 wins to RR’s 9. The margins have been razor-thin in recent seasons, making this match anyone’s game.
Riyan Parag’s rise to captaincy and his battle against a world champion skipper isn’t just a tactical showdown — it’s a story of ambition, resilience, and maybe even a little revenge.
