Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain Sanju Samson has announced that he will not be leading the team in their first three matches of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. Instead, he will participate solely as a batter during these games. This decision comes as Samson continues his recovery from a recent finger injury that required surgery. In his absence, 23-year-old Riyan Parag has been appointed as the stand-in captain for these initial matches.
Samson sustained the injury during the T20I series against England, which led to his surgery last month. After completing rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, he rejoined the RR squad and participated in practice sessions ahead of the season opener. While he is fit to bat, the team management has opted to ease him back into full duties, delaying his return to wicketkeeping and captaincy responsibilities.
Riyan Parag’s elevation to captaincy underscores the franchise’s confidence in his leadership abilities. Parag, who has been a vital part of the RR setup since his debut in 2019, has also captained Assam in domestic cricket, showcasing his aptitude for leadership. His familiarity with the team’s dynamics and strategies positions him well to guide the Royals during Samson’s partial absence.
The Rajasthan Royals are set to commence their IPL 2025 campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 23. Following this, they will face Kolkata Knight Riders on March 26 and Chennai Super Kings on March 30. These matches will be crucial for RR as they aim to establish early momentum in the tournament. Parag’s leadership during this phase will be pivotal in setting the tone for the team’s performance this season.
As Samson continues his recovery, his role as a specialist batter ensures that his experience and skill remain integral to the team’s efforts. The decision to temporarily hand over captaincy duties reflects a strategic approach to player welfare and team performance. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly observing how Parag manages this opportunity and how the Royals adapt during this period.
