Riyan Parag Returns to Rajasthan Royals for IPL 2025

JAIPUR, India — Riyan Parag has officially rejoined the Rajasthan Royals (RR) after a successful recovery from a shoulder injury that sidelined him during the recent T20 internationals. The batting allrounder will be available for the team’s opening match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 23, 2025.

After being out of action for more than three months, Parag returned to form in January during the Ranji Trophy, where he made a significant impact with a half-century and bowled 26 overs in a match against Saurashtra. His performance in domestic cricket suggests he is ready to make his mark once again in the upcoming IPL season.

“It feels great to be back in action. I’ve worked hard during my rehab and I’m looking forward to contributing to the team right from the start,” Parag said. He expressed confidence in his ability to perform under pressure, which he sees as crucial for the Royals’ campaign this year.

RR has had a tumultuous journey leading up to the new season. The franchise started strong with eight wins in their first nine games last season but faltered towards the end, culminating in a third-place finish. In preparation for the new season, RR revamped their roster significantly, bringing in multiple bowlers while largely retaining their Indian batting core.

While expectations are high for this season, there are concerns about the squad’s depth, particularly in overseas batting options. With only Shimron Hetmyer as a foreign player being confirmed in the top order, the team will heavily rely on its Indian core, which includes Parag. His ability to perform crucial roles across multiple facets of the game is deemed essential for RR’s success.

The franchise’s upcoming match schedule sees them play back-to-back home games against Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings after their opener, raising the stakes even higher. How RR fares in the first few matches is likely to shape the narrative for the rest of the season.

While there has been no official confirmation on whether captain Sanju Samson will be available for the opening match, his fitness remains a focal point as he continues to recover from a finger injury sustained earlier in the year. In his absence, Dhruv Jurel has previously filled in, but the team’s strategy will depend heavily on the status of both Samson and Parag.

The Royals are under the guidance of a new coaching staff, including former India captain and coach, further adding to the intrigue as they prepare for IPL 2025. Fans eagerly await to see how these changes will impact the team dynamics and overall performance as the season progresses.