Riyan Parag is an Indian all-rounder. He plays domestic cricket for Assam and captains Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. He has the ability to bowl both off-spin and leg-spin. Parag first gained attention as part of India’s squad that won the 2018 Under-19 World Cup. Later that same year, Rajasthan Royals signed him in the IPL auction for his base price of ₹20 lakh.
In IPL 2019, he created history by becoming the youngest player ever to score a half-century in the tournament. He achieved the record at 17 years and 175 days, breaking the previous mark held by Sanju Samson and Prithvi Shaw.
Even though Rajasthan Royals released him before the 2022 mega auction, the franchise bought him back again. During IPL 2022, he impressed not only with the bat but also in the field. He took 17 catches, the highest by any Indian non-wicketkeeper in that season. He also played an important unbeaten 56 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
His biggest breakthrough season came in IPL 2024. Parag became Rajasthan Royals’ highest run-scorer and ended the tournament with 573 runs and 33 sixes. He finished among the top run-getters in the league. He broke Rishabh Pant’s record for most runs in a single IPL season while batting at number four.
In IPL 2025, Parag was given the Rajasthan Royals captaincy after Sanju Samson suffered a finger injury. He scored 393 runs during the season at a strike rate above 166 and hit 27 sixes. One of his best knocks was a 95 off 45 balls against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders. Rajasthan Royals officially appointed him as captain for IPL 2026.
5 Fun Facts You Didn’t Know About Riyan Parag
Nephew of Assam’s Singing Superstar Zubeen Garg
Cricket isn’t the only stardom in Riyan’s family. He is the nephew of legendary Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, a beloved cultural icon who has also composed music for Bollywood films. This artistic connection makes Riyan’s family tree one of the most multi-talented in Indian sports. Runs and rhythms run in the blood.
Shadow-Batting at Just 16 Months Old
Most toddlers are still learning to walk. Riyan was perfecting his cover drive. His father caught a 16-month-old Riyan shadow-practicing strokes in front of a mirror. He would also use a water bottle as a bat and a cork ball to practice in the living room. The obsession with cricket was clear from the very beginning.
A ‘Hardcore’ Gamer Who Skipped School for GTA
Riyan is an avid gamer, obsessed with Valorant and BGMI. But his dedication once got him into trouble. In 6th or 7th grade, he was so hooked on “Grand Theft Auto: Vice City” that he skipped school to play it. His father broke the CD as punishment, but later gifted him a PlayStation. Understanding parent.
Refuses to Eat Food Served in Garbage Bags
Riyan has a unique, quirky habit. While representing Assam, hotel staff in Jaipur served him biryani in a garbage bag. He flatly rejected it and went hungry instead. “I didn’t eat because… I kept feeling that it was trash,” he explained. This unusual insistence on quality has made him realise he’s “very hard to manage.”
The Crazy Airport Dash to Meet Virat Kohli
As a young fan, Riyan’s determination to meet his hero knew no bounds. Before the 2018 U-19 World Cup, he spotted Kohli at an airport but was separated by terminal lounges. He spent 30 minutes navigating to switch terminals. A receptionist turned him away. He finally met Kohli during the IPL, where his idol signed his bat.
FAQs
Q. Which IPL team does Riyan Parag captain?
A. Riyan Parag captains Rajasthan Royals in the IPL.
Q. What record did Riyan Parag create?
A. Riyan Parag became the youngest player ever to score an IPL fifty. He was 17 years and 175 days during that time.
Q. Which tournament first brought Riyan Parag major attention?
A. Riyan Parag first gained attention during 2018 Under-19 World Cup-winning squad.
Q. What was Riyan Parag’s best IPL season?
A. His breakthrough season came in IPL 2024. He scored 573 runs and hit 33 sixes.
Q. Why is Riyan Parag considered a valuable all-rounder?
A. Riyan Parag scored quick runs. He can also bowl both off-spin and leg-spin.
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