In the early phase of IPL 2025, Rajasthan Royals faced a leadership shuffle as their regular captain Sanju Samson was sidelined due to fitness concerns. Though Samson was able to bat, he wasn’t fully fit for wicketkeeping or fielding duties, which led the team management to deploy him only as an Impact Player.
Surprisingly, the Royals entrusted the captaincy to young all-rounder Riyan Parag instead of the more experienced Nitish Rana, who has previously led Kolkata Knight Riders. The move raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike.
Nitish Rana Supports the Management’s Decision
Ahead of Rajasthan Royals’ clash against Delhi Capitals, Nitish Rana addressed the buzz around the leadership decision. Instead of showing disappointment, Rana expressed full support for the team’s call, emphasizing team culture and familiarity as crucial leadership factors.
“When I captained KKR, I had been part of the team for 6–7 years. That familiarity helped me lead effectively,” Rana said.
“Here with RR, Riyan knows the environment and team dynamics better than I do. It was a smart move by the management.”
While Rana acknowledged that he would have gladly accepted the role if offered, he stressed that team interests must come first.
“If they had asked, I would’ve accepted the responsibility. But I believe the management made the right call based on what’s best for the team.”
Nitish Rana’s Performance So Far in IPL 2025
Nitish started the season on a high note, smashing 81 runs against Chennai Super Kings. However, he hasn’t managed to replicate that form consistently, with subsequent scores of 12, 1, and 4 not out.
Despite the dip in runs, Rana remains focused on playing his role, even if that means shifting batting positions or limited time at the crease.
“Sometimes the match situation demands a specific approach, like maintaining a left-right combination,” he explained.
“In some games, I didn’t get enough time to bat. But I’m always ready to play wherever the team needs me.”
Rajasthan Royals Match Highlights vs CSK
| Opponent | Score | Top Performer (Bat) | Top Performer (Bowl) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chennai Super Kings | 172/7 | Nitish Rana – 81 (RR) | Trent Boult – 2/29 (RR) |
| Rajasthan Royals (Chase) | 175/6 | Riyan Parag – 45* (RR) | Kuldeep Sen – 2/33 (CSK) |
Looking Ahead
As Rajasthan Royals continue their IPL 2025 campaign, the team seems united, and both leadership clarity and player flexibility are becoming key assets. With Nitish Rana showing a team-first attitude and Parag proving his mettle as a young leader, RR appears to be in good hands—both in performance and locker room harmony.