Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) stand-in captain Riyan Parag has come under fire from social media users for his behavior towards fans, with many criticizing his actions as arrogant and unbefitting of an Indian cricketer.
Parag, leading RR in his hometown Guwahati, guided the team to their first win in IPL 2025, securing a six-run victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
However, after the match, a viral video sparked controversy. In the clip, Parag was seen clicking a selfie with Assam Cricket Association-appointed ballboys before tossing the phone back to them instead of handing it over politely. This act didn’t sit well with many fans, who accused him of showing entitlement and a lack of respect.
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Fined for Slow Over-Rate
Adding to his troubles, Parag was fined INR 12 lakh for maintaining a slow over-rate during the match. Rajasthan Royals, despite successfully defending 182 runs, failed to complete their 20 overs within the stipulated time, leading to the penalty.
Parag’s Reaction After the Win
Despite the criticism, Parag remained focused on his team’s performance.
“We felt we were 20 short. We were going well in the middle overs but lost a couple of quick wickets. However, our bowlers executed our plans well.”
Rajasthan’s fielding played a crucial role in the win, with Parag himself taking a stunning catch to dismiss Shivam Dube (18) and Shimron Hetmyer pulling off a spectacular grab to end MS Dhoni’s late fightback (16).
“Fielding makes up for the 20 runs that we were short. We have been working with Dishant Yagnik, our fielding coach. So it shows,” Parag added.
The First Assamese IPL Captain
At just 23 years old, Parag made history as the first player from Assam to lead an IPL team. His growing popularity was evident when a local fan invaded the pitch and fell at his feet during RR’s match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
What’s Next for Rajasthan Royals?
After a mixed start to their IPL 2025 campaign, RR will aim to continue their momentum when they take on Punjab Kings in Mullanpur on April 5. Fans will be watching not just Parag’s leadership but also how he responds to the growing scrutiny over his attitude.
