Riyan Parag, the Rajasthan Royals’ captain, sparked outrage on social media after an incident post-match following his team’s victory over Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025. After a thrilling win, Parag was seen taking selfies with ground staff, but his actions afterward, particularly tossing their phone, quickly went viral, drawing sharp criticism from fans.
The Controversy
Following the end of the match, where Rajasthan Royals narrowly defeated Chennai Super Kings by six runs in Guwahati, the ground staff approached Riyan Parag for a photo. The 23-year-old agreed to click selfies with them, but things took a controversial turn when he threw the staff’s phone after the pictures were taken. A video of this moment surfaced online, sparking outrage among social media users. Fans questioned his attitude, with many expressing their displeasure at his behavior.
One user commented, "What’s with this attitude, brother?" Another fan remarked, "After beating Dhoni, Parag seems to have started thinking of himself as God." The video quickly spread across platforms, with many users calling out the cricketer for his disrespectful actions.
Riyan Parag’s On-Field Performance
While the post-match incident sparked a storm off the field, Riyan Parag’s performance in the match was exemplary. He played an important knock of 37 runs off 28 balls, which included two boundaries and two sixes. His contribution with the bat was crucial in setting up a solid total for Rajasthan Royals.
In addition to his batting prowess, Parag also made a significant impact with the ball and in the field. His brilliant catch of Shivam Dube was a game-changer, shifting the momentum in Rajasthan’s favor. His leadership during the match was also noteworthy, as he made key decisions that helped his team edge out Chennai.
Parag had been appointed as the stand-in captain for Rajasthan Royals after regular captain Sanju Samson was sidelined due to an injury. His leadership had come under scrutiny after his first two matches as captain, but his performance against Chennai Super Kings was praised by fans and pundits alike.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Backlash
Despite his impressive on-field performance, Parag’s actions post-match led to a widespread backlash on social media. Fans drew comparisons between his behavior and his performance, suggesting that his off-field conduct overshadowed his leadership success.
Some fans were quick to defend Parag, citing the excitement of his first win as captain, but most were unimpressed with his actions. The incident brought to light the growing expectations from cricketers, who are constantly under the public eye, not just for their performances but also for their behavior off the field.
Conclusion
Riyan Parag’s first win as Rajasthan Royals’ captain may have been a highlight for the team, but his controversial behavior following the match has left a bitter taste in the mouths of many fans. As social media continues to react, it’s clear that public figures like Parag need to be more mindful of their actions both on and off the field.
This incident serves as a reminder of the pressures and responsibilities that come with fame, especially for athletes who often find themselves in the spotlight, not just for their performances but also for their conduct. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how Parag will address the situation moving forward.