Riyan Parag Fine: Rajasthan Royals Skipper Penalised for Slow Over-Rate in IPL 2025 Clash Against CSK

Rajasthan Royals’ stand-in captain Riyan Parag has been slapped with a hefty fine for a slow over-rate during the IPL 2025 match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati. The 23-year-old, who has been temporarily leading the side in the absence of regular captain Sanju Samson, received his first disciplinary sanction of the season. The Riyan Parag fine came after his team failed to complete their overs in the stipulated time, a breach under the IPL’s Code of Conduct.

The IPL governing council issued a formal statement on the matter, confirming the Riyan Parag fine for breaching Article 2.22 of the league’s Code of Conduct, which pertains specifically to slow over-rates.

“Mr. Riyan Parag, Captain, Rajasthan Royals has been fined after his team maintained a slow over-rate during Match 11 of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 against Chennai Super Kings at the ACA Stadium, Guwahati on 30th March, 2025,” read the statement from the IPL.

“As this was his team’s first offence of the season under Article 2.22 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct, which pertains to minimum over-rate offences, Parag was fined INR 12 lakhs.”

This Riyan Parag fine is a warning to the youngster, who has recently been elevated to captaincy duties for the Rajasthan Royals in the early part of IPL 2025. Parag’s leadership came into play as Sanju Samson continues to recover from a finger injury. Though Samson has returned to the squad, he is currently playing only as a batter and hasn’t resumed wicketkeeping or full-fielding responsibilities, per National Cricket Academy (NCA) guidelines.

Riyan Parag’s Early Captaincy Responsibilities

Despite the Riyan Parag fine, the youngster’s leadership has garnered attention and interest. Rajasthan Royals handed the captaincy to Parag for the first three matches of the season, and the move has been seen as a big step in grooming young Indian talent. During this stint, Parag has had the challenge of leading a team with several international stars while trying to maintain composure under pressure.

Although the Riyan Parag fine has slightly marred his captaincy record, it comes in a match where the Royals clinched a close victory, providing some silver lining for the young captain.

Rajasthan Royals Edge Past CSK in a Thriller

The match in question wasn’t without drama. It was a high-stakes contest that saw Rajasthan Royals post a competitive 182/9 in their 20 overs, thanks largely to a blistering knock from Nitish Rana and a stunning bowling display from Wanindu Hasaranga.

Rana, promoted up the order to No. 3, smashed 81 off just 36 deliveries, laced with 10 fours and 5 sixes. His aggressive batting put CSK on the back foot early on, but Rajasthan stumbled toward the end of the innings. Still, the score proved enough.

CSK, chasing 183, couldn’t break their long-standing jinx of not successfully chasing 180+ totals since 2019. Despite a valiant 63 from their new captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, the Chennai side fell short by just six runs. Wanindu Hasaranga, with his four-wicket haul, was instrumental in choking the CSK chase and earned the Player of the Match award.

Amid this tense and close-fought game, the Riyan Parag fine became a footnote—but a significant one for those monitoring team discipline and on-field conduct.

Sanju Samson’s Recovery and Role

Sanju Samson, who has been RR’s regular captain for several seasons, is yet to return fully to field duties. Recovering from finger surgery, he joined the squad after his rehab at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. For the first few matches, he has played as an Impact Substitute while Dhruv Jurel has taken over the wicketkeeping gloves.

With Samson’s return to full fitness imminent, the Riyan Parag fine could be a short-lived hiccup in the Royals’ season. However, it also serves as a reminder of the pressures of captaincy, especially for a young player still finding his feet at the top level.

What Lies Ahead for Riyan Parag?

While the Riyan Parag fine may seem like a minor infraction, over-rate penalties can add up, and repeated violations can lead to higher fines or even suspension. It puts additional responsibility on the young skipper to manage his bowlers better and make tactical decisions swiftly on the field.

On the bright side, the win over CSK adds confidence to his resume. A captain who can lead his team to victory against a seasoned side like Chennai Super Kings, even with the Riyan Parag fine looming in the background, shows promise.

For Rajasthan Royals, consistency in gameplay and discipline in adhering to league rules will be key to climbing the IPL 2025 points table. With Sanju Samson soon expected to resume full duties and Riyan Parag gaining leadership exposure, the Royals seem well-positioned to evolve as the tournament progresses.

Conclusion

The Riyan Parag fine for a slow over-rate during the match against CSK might be seen as a bump on the road, but it doesn’t overshadow the significance of his leadership opportunity. As the season unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the young captain can learn from this incident and grow stronger, both as a player and as a leader.

With talent, passion, and now added responsibility, Riyan Parag has a chance to make IPL 2025 a breakthrough season—one where lessons are learned, and potential is fulfilled.