During the IPL 2025 match between Rajasthan Royals and Gujarat Titans in Jaipur, where Rajasthan Royals stunned with an aggressive victory after comfortably chasing the 200+ target thanks to the young Indian openers, a broadcasting footage showed a verbal fight between Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag and pacer Tushar Deshpande.  

Riyan Parag had a verbal fight with Tushar Deshpande

After Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag chose to bowl first, Gujarat Titans scored 209/4 in 20 overs. During the strategic time out, while Rajasthan Royals players were involved in reshaping their strategy, there was a scene where captain Riyan Parag had an unpleasant talk with the pacer Tushar Deshpande. Although the pacer was in the Impact players' list, he wasn't selected ultimately. Understanding the situation, the assistant and fast bowling coach Shane Bond quickly pushed Deshpande far to cool down the situation. 

Riyan Parag Fight with Tushar deshpande in Live match #gtvsrr #riyanparag #ipl2025 pic.twitter.com/GSBqiv5mwT

— Shiva Shukla (@ShivamS89577455) April 28, 2025

WATCH: Glenn Maxwell trolls Yuzvendra Chahal after receiving MS Dhoni’s Bat

IPL 2025: Tushar Deshpande took six wickets in eight matches

The 29-year-old Tushar Deshpande has played eight matches this IPL season, where the right-arm medium pacer picked up six wickets. Although he started the season with three wickets against SunRisers Hyderabad on the tough bowling pitch in Hyderabad, where SRH scored 286 runs and RR lost by 44 runs, the pacer then only managed to pick wickets in two more games out of seven other outings.

Coming back to the stunning RR vs GT IPL 2025 match in Jaipur, RR openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Suryavanshi slammed a 166-run opening partnership in the 200+ chase. Suryavanshi scored a 17-ball 50 and then stretched that to the 35-ball hundred to record the second-fastest IPL century as well as the youngest IPL hundred. While he scored 101 off 38 balls (seven fours and 11 sixes), Jaiswal was not out for 70 runs in 40 balls (nine fours and two sixes), and Rajasthan Royals chased down the 210-run target in 15.5 overs after losing only two wickets. 

In a thrilling and sweet moment for cricket fans, young Indian prospects Riyan Parag and Yashasvi Jaiswal were seen openly giving credit to the scintillating performance by emerging star Vaibhav Suryavanshi. After a thrilling game, the duo took a moment to praise and highlight the impact made by Suryavanshi, whose heroics sealed the fate of the game.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi, India's new budding local cricketing hero, displayed tremendous talent, elegance, and match-winning mettle that won him both over the crowd as well as even his teammates on the field. Whatever he did, be it with a dazzling knock amidst pressure, a flashy inning, or a critical bowling spell, he turned the game in his favour and proved how much of a future star he can turn out to be.

In the popular video clip on social media, Riyan Parag and Yashasvi Jaiswal were spotted commenting on Suryavanshi's game. Both of the players, themselves famous for their own attacking style of playing the game, were clearly impressed by his composure and confidence under pressure. Riyan Parag had said how Suryavanshi's calmness was a reminder of battle-hardened campaigners, while Jaiswal characterized the technical maturity and ability he showed despite being so young.

Watch the video here 

Riyan Parag and Yashasvi Jaiswal on the heroics of Vaibhav Suryavanshi. pic.twitter.com/chN55I8v6w

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 29, 2025

Also read: WATCH: Sanjiv Goenka and Family share warm moments with cricket legend after MI vs LSG match

Vaibhav Suryavanshi attracts appreciation from prospective IPL players Parag and Jaiswal

The gratitude of Parag and Jaiswal, both of the top young cricketers who have made a place for themselves in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and domestic cricket, is significant. It is proof not just of Suryavanshi's growing popularity but also of the camaraderie and regard in which the new generation of Indian cricketers hold their peers. Their support will certainly go a long way in strengthening Suryavanshi's confidence as he goes about building his career.These examples of players openly acknowledging other people's efforts show the positive culture being built in Indian cricket. The young stars are inspiring and motivating each other to create an environment where future legends can develop. It also creates hype among the fans who eagerly wait for the arrival of the next generation of cricketing legends.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s heroics and the subsequent appreciation from established young players like Riyan Parag and Yashasvi Jaiswal point toward a bright future for Indian cricket. As more talents emerge and get recognized, it adds depth and strength to the pool of players ready to represent the country at the highest level. This deal is not only a reflection of the ability of Suryavanshi, but of the new Indian cricket spirit — one which celebrates ability and young talent that believes in itself, building a strong and capable cricketing fraternity.

As With the excitement mounting for IPL 2025, the Rajasthan Royals have released a significant update regarding their skipper, Sanju Samson. The franchise has confirmed that Samson will be missing their next game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) because of a side strain. This unexpected news has created confusion regarding the team's leadership plan and the skipper's availability for the remaining season.

Sanju Samson has been the fulcrum of the Rajasthan Royals over the years. With his laid-back nature and explosive batting, not only has he led the team from the front, but also played the role of team management and player development. Earlier this year, he played an active role in formulating the team's retention plans and worked closely with head coach Rahul Dravid to have a strong core for next year's 2025 season. Players such as Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, and Sandeep Sharma were retained under that plan.

Sadly, Samson has been troubled by injuries in the recent seasons. After getting over a finger injury which had kept him out of initial matches, he had returned to the playing eleven with great hopes. But this recent side strain has again ruled him out, and the franchise has confirmed that he will not be accompanying the team to Bengaluru.

Riyan Parag to captain Rajasthan Royals in Samson's absence as team eyes strong IPL 2025 run

Riyan Parag will lead Rajasthan Royals in Prithvi Samson's absence as the team looks to have a good IPL 2025 run.

In Samson's stead, teen sensation Riyan Parag will be called upon to spearhead the Royals. Parag has already led the Royals in the early games of the season and made a positive impression with his leadership and batting skills. His elevation is part of the Royals' larger plan to develop future captains in the team.

The Rajasthan Royals are well-placed on the points table, and though Samson's absence is a setback, the depth and balance in their team provide hope. Fans all over the world will be eagerly looking forward to good news about Samson's fitness, as the Royals look to have a successful streak in IPL 2025.

Also read: IPL 2025: 10 players who smashed six on first ball of their IPL career

Injured Sanju Samson out of Rajasthan Royals’ clash against Lucknow Super Giants in Jaipur

In a shocking turn of events, Rajasthan Royals (RR) skipper Sanju Samson is missing from the playing XI for Match 36 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). The fans were perplexed because Samson had played six games in the tournament till then and was quite in shape, both as a batsman and captain. The RR administration, however, confirmed that Samson is rested because he suffered a side strain injury while playing against Delhi Capitals in their previous match.

In that game, Samson was batting fearless when he seemed to pull his lower abdomen during a back-foot shot. He attempted to carry on but had to retire injured on 31 runs. Subsequent medical scans confirmed that the skipper has suffered from a mild side strain, which if not rested, can aggravate. In a precautionary measure, team physicians and support staff decided to rest him today for today's game so that the injury is not aggravated.

Earlier in the campaign, Samson had already missed the initial few games after suffering a finger injury while playing in India's T20I series against England. Nevertheless, he came back strongly and took RR through to a couple of wins, emerging as a key player in the middle order. His non-appearance today has once again raised eyebrows among the fans regarding RR's stability and leadership, particularly in a close-match encounter like this.

Also Read:-Rajasthan Royals vs Lucknow Super Giants (RR vs LSG): Match 36, IPL 2025, Match Preview

In Samson's place, Riyan Parag has been named the acting captain. Parag has been a captain earlier in the initial games of IPL 2025 and is considered a future leader in the making. With solid domestic experience and pressure-handling confidence, the management believes in Parag's ability to manage the duties.

There were also reports of a conflict between Samson and the team administration, but these were swiftly dismissed by head coach Rahul Dravid, who insisted the decision to leave out Samson was solely a matter of fitness and recovery.

So far, there is no word on the number of matches Samson may miss, but he is due to return when fully fit. The Royals are keeping a close eye on his condition, and fans are eagerly awaiting the day when their captain returns to take the reins as the playoff battle heats up.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has long been a launchpad for young talent, offering rising stars a chance to prove themselves on a global platform. Players like Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja once used this prestigious T20 league to make their mark, delivering fearless performances that turned them into household names. The league's fast-paced and high-stakes nature has consistently brought out the best in emerging cricketers.

This year, we turn the spotlight on the five youngest players to debut or sign IPL contracts as of 2024, including one history-making prodigy in 2025. These youngsters have impressed with their fearless approach, dynamic shot-making, and solid stats, signaling a bright future. Their inclusion in the IPL highlights the league's vital role in nurturing the next generation of cricketing superstars.

1. Vaibhav Suryavanshi

At just 13 years and 243 days old, Vaibhav Suryavanshi made history as the youngest player ever to be contracted by an IPL franchise, signing with the Rajasthan Royals for INR 1.1 crore during the 2025 IPL Auction. Hailing from Bihar, Vaibhav had already made headlines in domestic cricket, debuting in first-class matches at the remarkable age of 12 years and 284 days. He scored 100 runs in five Ranji Trophy games (highest score: 41, average: 10.00) and tallied 132 runs in six List A matches, including an impressive 71 off 42 balls in the 2024 Vijay Hazare Trophy.

Vaibhav also made waves on the international youth stage, smashing a 58-ball 104 for India U-19 against Australia U-19 in 2024—the fastest Test century ever by an Indian youth cricketer. His power-hitting abilities were further underlined during trial sessions with the Rajasthan Royals, where he struck three towering sixes, convincing the coaching staff of his high potential and readiness for the big stage despite his young age.

2. Prayas Ray Barman

Prayas Ray Barman made his IPL debut for Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2019 at just 16 years and 157 days, after being signed for INR 1.5 crore. In his sole appearance, the West Bengal all-rounder scored 19 runs (average: 19.00, strike rate: 73.07) and went wicketless, conceding 56 runs at an economy of 14.00. While his debut was brief, it reflected the IPL's willingness to back young talent. Since then, Barman has turned his focus to domestic cricket in hopes of making a strong comeback.

Also Read: [WATCH] Ashutosh Sharma and Ishant Sharma get into verbal spat: Know the reason

3. Mujeeb Ur Rahman

Afghanistan’s Mujeeb Ur Rahman made his IPL debut for Kings XI Punjab in 2018 at just 17 years and 11 days old, becoming one of the youngest players to feature in the league. Signed for INR 4 crore, the mystery spinner impressed early on, claiming 19 wickets in 19 matches at an average of 29.47 and an economy of 7.92. His standout performance came against Delhi Capitals in 2018, where he took 3/27. Though his IPL appearances have reduced in recent seasons, Mujeeb's early success cemented his reputation as one of the most promising T20 spinners of his generation.

4. Riyan Parag

Riyan Parag made his Indian Premier League debut for Rajasthan Royals in 2019 at the age of 17 years and 152 days, after being signed for INR 20 lakh. Since then, he has become a key figure in the Royals' setup, featuring in 69 matches and amassing 1,316 runs at an average of 24.83 and a strike rate of 135.11. His highest score remains an unbeaten 84, and he has registered seven fifties in the tournament. As a part-time bowler, he has also taken 7 wickets, with best figures of 3/32. Parag’s standout season came in 2024, when he scored 573 runs, finishing as the third-highest run-getter of the tournament. Notably, he holds the record for the most runs scored in an IPL match by a player aged 17 years and 175 days. Riyan has proven his versatility as a dependable all-rounder and continues to grow as a key talent in the IPL.

Also Read: IPL 2025: PBKS vs RCB Match 37 - A Head to Head breakdown

5. Sarfaraz Khan

Sarfaraz Khan made his Indian Premier League debut for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in 2015 at just 17 years and 177 days old, after being signed for INR 50 lakhs. Over the course of 50 IPL matches, he accumulated 585 runs at an average of 22.50 and a strike rate of 130.00. His highest score in the league stands at 67, which came off just 34 balls in a 2016 match, showcasing his flair and aggressive batting style. Even before stepping onto the IPL stage, Sarfaraz had already made headlines by becoming the youngest player to break the Harris Shield record at age 12. His steady rise through domestic cricket culminated in a well-deserved Test debut for India in 2024, underlining his long-standing potential and batting prowess.

Whether it’s the record-breaking entry of Vaibhav Suryavanshi as the youngest IPL signing or the impressive journeys of players like Sarfaraz, the IPL continues to serve as a springboard for young Indian talent. The league has played a vital role in nurturing future international stars and turning promising teenagers into household names on the global cricket stage.

Rajasthan Royal's key player, Riyan Parag faced a rare and awkward moment during the 32 match of IPL 2025 match against Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Just as he was about to take strike, the umpire stopped him for a routine bat check. The bat didn’t pass the size test, and Parag was told to switch it out.

He had come in to bat for the injured Sanju Samson, but things didn’t go smoothly. There was a brief exchange between Parag and the umpire, and it was clear he wasn’t happy about the situation. Still, he had no choice but to change his bat before continuing. A video of the incident has since gone viral, showing the exact moment the bat was checked and Parag’s reaction when he found out it wasn’t allowed.

The umpires are doing their job and #RiyanParag’s bat is under scrutiny! 🧐

Watch the LIVE action ➡ https://t.co/nbBEFOkjkM #IPLonJioStar 👉 #DCvRR | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi & JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/o68pxrSrje

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 16, 2025

Unfortunately for Parag, the new bat didn’t help much, he scored just 8 runs from 11 balls before getting out. This isn’t the first time this has happened in IPL 2025. Earlier, KKR’s Sunil Narine and Anrich Nortje also had to change their bats after failing similar checks.

ALSO READ: IPL 2025: PBKS vs RCB Match 34- Who will be Impact Players for today's match?

What are the guidelines for the size of a cricket bat?

As per the rules, bats must stick to certain size limits: the width can’t be more than 10.79 cm, the middle (blade) can't be thicker than 6.7 cm, edges can’t go beyond 4 cm, and the total length must be undcer 96.4 cm.

So why are umpires checking bats more this season? It’s part of a BCCI rule meant to make the game fair. With big-hitting becoming such a big part of T20 cricket, officials want to make sure no one is using oversized bats to gain an edge. Unlike past seasons, umpires are now allowed to check bats during matches not just in the dressing room. With the rules being taken more seriously this year, players and teams are being reminded that there's no room for shortcuts when it comes to equipment.

During the IPL 2025 match between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Jaipur on April 13, 2025, Riyan Parag let go of a catch from Virat Kohli thus triggering a wave of passionate fan reactions. When Parag dropped Virat Kohli allowing RCB to gain the upper hand. The celebrated 'Chasemaster' Kohli took a high ball before Parag dropped the catch attempt despite reaching it with both hands. Kohli followed up this dropped chance by hitting a boundary on the very next delivery.

Different responses appeared the moment this incident took place. Disgruntled fans coordinated their rage because they thought RR’s match could end because of the dropped catch in a critical IPL matchup so one spectator asked how such an easy grab was missed at this level. Some spectators used satire to claim that Parag made a strategic choice to maintain Kohli at the crease for offensive purposes despite the consequence of depleted speed in RCB's batting pace.

Also Read: PSL 2025: Vince’s heroics power Karachi Kings, Hair Dryer steals Post-Match spotlight

Besides this comment they mockingly praised him as a "visionary." The moment ignited conversations about IPL 2025 fielding standards since many viewers noticed ducks repeatedly occurred during team matches throughout the tournament. They questioned if the season represented the worst fielding performance in IPL history. 

Twitter Reactions 

Riyan Parag dropped Virat Kohli's catch.

Once a RCB fan, always a RCB fan! #RRvRCB pic.twitter.com/AGWJNx8nqN

— Utsav 💙 (@utsav__45) April 13, 2025

#RRvsRCB
Riyan Parag inspire from Virat Kohli 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/X71AsqlO8e

— theboysthing (@theboysthing07) April 13, 2025

Riyan Parag Kohli Ka Catch Drop Krne Ke Baad Field Pe#RCBvsRR #RRvRCB pic.twitter.com/cM9q77EoB9

— Prof cheems ॐ (@Prof_Cheems) April 13, 2025

Riyan Parag visiting Virat Kohli after match pic.twitter.com/G63wfdaplS

— Ctrl C Ctrl Memes (@Ctrlmemes_) April 13, 2025

Tm riyan parag ko bhai apni g m dallo ajeeb chutiye ho jb Rana 3 no pr run bna rha h to kyu bhejna h tmko riyan parag ko uppr ek kaam krlo bhai riyan royals ya guwahati royals rkhlo team ke naam pr chutiya bnaye jaa rhe ho bc

— Igmortallllth (@igmortallllth) April 13, 2025

NEVER PLAY CRICKET AGAIN RIYAN PARAG

— #DankeSeb (@GOATswal) April 13, 2025

Riyan Parag can't complete a basic catch but sure let's talk about how "cold" his "no-look" catch celebrations are. Good going! #IPL2025 🏏

— Sohini M. (@Mittermaniac) April 13, 2025

Riyan Parag dropped the catch of Kohli

Waiting for some Kohli fan to enter the ground to touch the feet of Riyan Parag

— desi mojito 🇮🇳 (@desimojito) April 13, 2025

Riyan Parag with a strategic catch drop to keep tuktuk virat on strike 🫡 might win RR the game and be declared visionary

On a serious note, is this the worst season ever for fielding and catches in history? There’s gotta be someone tracking this 🤔 pic.twitter.com/gbakwdoHbB

— ♠️ (@hukumdaekka) April 13, 2025

Also Read: LSG vs CSK: A Head to Head breakdown IPL 2025

Despite valuable contributions such as the six-run victory against CSK, Parag faced criticism for his lapse at the crease because he previously served as the RR team leader during an earlier phase of the season. During the Sixer battle RR fans became dissatisfied but RCB supporters grew optimistic due to this crucial fielding mistake. 

IPL had another controversial tail on its bucket list where Riyan Parag was given out in the controversial way, which left him fuming and having an argument with the umpire. IPL match number 23 was played between GT vs RR, where Rajasthan Royals(RR) captain Sanju Samson won the toss and chose to bowl first. GT who opted to bat first lost their captain very early. It was Sai Sudharshan and Jos Butler who controlled the innings for the time. 

Though Jos Butler couldn't stay long Sai Sudharshan went on with a flow where he scored 82 runs off 53 balls in this innings he hit 8 boundaries and 3 maximums, with the help of Sai Sudharshan's innings GT was able to post the target of 217 runs with the loss of 6 wickets.  It proved to be a tough chase for Rajasthan RoyalI, where they lost their star batter Yashawi Jaiswal followed by Nitish Rana. Then Riyan Parag and captain Sanju Samson had a partnership. 

Read More: "CSK’s struggles continue" – Coach Stephen Fleming addresses what’s going wrong

But it couldn't last long as Riyan Parag was dismissed by Khejroliya and from then Rajasthan Royals couldn't able to get back and were losing the wickets at regular intervals. Though Shimron Hetmyer tried his best of his efforts he too departed making well-made 52 runs. Rajasthan Royals were bowled out for 159 runs. Gujarat won the match by 58 runs giving them the fourth win of the season. 

Controversial Wicket Of Riyan Parag

Riyan Parag was batting well, where he was striking sixes and boundaries effortlessly, It was the 7th over of the match when Kulwant Khejrolia's bowl spun around Parag's bat and reached to Jos Butler who caught the ball and appealed where he was given out and stated that bat hit the ground didn't hit the bat. Then he took the review which was upholded by the third umpire. 

 

pic.twitter.com/XMgTWBCRuh

— Lolzzz (@CricketerMasked)

April 9, 2025

The replays showed that the bat made some contact with the ground but the snickometer showed disturbance just before it happened. As a result, the third umpire decided to stick with the on-field call but that ended up angering the batter. He argued with the on-field umpires, he even slammed his bat on the wall of the tunnel to the dressing room. Rajasthan lost their third game and slipped down to the 7th spot. 

Fans Criticize RR Star's Attitude After Selfie Controversy

One of the recent controversies to make headlines revolves around Rajasthan Royals’ Riyan Parag. Parag, who is the team’s stand-in captain, was caught on video attempting to take a selfie with the ground staff after he had seemingly finished interacting with fans. The incident occurred following the Royals’ six-run win over the Chennai Super Kings during the ongoing IPL at the Barsapara stadium in Guwahati. Parag did win the selfie but in an unsportsmanlike manner. Instead of giving the phone back to the staff, he flung it away, which sparked irritation in that corner of the internet.

Attitude 🗿 Performance 🤡 pic.twitter.com/tNBZgSpRMA

— Sonu (@heyysonu_) March 31, 2025

Also read:- LSG vs PBKS: Match 13 Weather and Pitch report – IPL 2025

The decision to throw away the phone was heavily criticized on social media, and users found it to be disrespectful, bestowing upon Parag an arrogant persona. Some even suggested imposing a ban on the sensational young cricketer because they believe such antics are not fitting for an Indian player. The debate on the conduct and decorum of a player in the sport was reignited, and while Parag has not responded to the heat, he sure did bring massive attention to the issue.

Riyan Parag Fined for Slow Over-Rate in IPL 2025 Match vs CSK

Guwahati: Rajasthan Royals (RR) skipper Riyan Parag has been fined INR 12 lakh for having a slow over-rate during his side's match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2025. The match was played at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati on March 30, with RR emerging victorious by six runs.

Even though they won, RR did not finish their overs in time, and Parag was penalized. As per Article 2.22 of the IPL Code of Conduct, it is the responsibility of the captain to ensure that the team keeps the right over-rate. As this was RR's first offence of the season, Parag was fined INR 12 lakh.

Riyan Parag has been fined 12 Lakhs for the Slow Over-rate against Chennai Super Kings 🏆 pic.twitter.com/TRz1C1t6uU

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 31, 2025

ALSO READ:MI vs KKR: Sunil Narine's underwhelming performance vs Mumbai Indians in last 5 matches

Captains in earlier IPL seasons had been suspended from matches for continued slow over-rates. But a new regulation that was brought into effect prior to IPL 2025 ended suspensions and substituted them with fines and demerit points in place.

Rajasthan Royals will be facing Punjab Kings on April 5 at Mullanpur.