Riyan Parag not taking captaincy on a permanent basis: Shane Bond

Jaipur: Rajasthan Royals' fast bowling coach Shane Bond has ruled out youngster Riyan Parag taking up the team's captaincy on a permanent basis, emphasising that regular skipper Sanju Samson remains the team's leader despite his ongoing injury concerns.

Speaking ahead of Royals' clash against Gujarat Titans at Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Monday, Bond said, "No, he is not taking that role on a permanent basis. Obviously, we have lost our captain, which has hit us a little bit. We are a pretty young team, inexperienced team. So, 23-year-old Riyan, I know he's been around the IPL for a while, but he is pretty young to come in and lead the team. Yes, he did a pretty good job, we are happy with what he is doing. He would admit himself that he's still learning the role and we have got some good support around him."

Bond praised Riyan for his ‘sharp cricketing brain'. "The stuff he has done on the field with bowling changes have been really good. For us the upside is we have got someone else who has gained a little bit more leadership experience for next year as well. When Sanju is on the field, he is excellent. We will go into the next season with two people who have got captaincy experience and that's going to be good for the team in the long run," he added.