In an unexpected twist, Rajasthan Royals (RR) have announced that Riyan Parag will lead the team for their first three matches in IPL 2025. Regular captain Sanju Samson, who is recovering from a finger injury, will temporarily step aside from wicketkeeping and fielding duties. Samson will continue to contribute as a batter until he is fully fit to resume his dual role.
Sanju Samson Injury Update IPL 2025
Samson underwent finger surgery last month and recently rejoined the RR squad after completing his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. While he is expected to feature as an Impact Player initially, wicketkeeping responsibilities are likely to fall on Dhruv Jurel. Jurel previously stepped in for Samson during the fifth T20I against England in February after Samson injured his finger while batting. The franchise has confirmed that Samson will reclaim the captaincy once he is fully fit.
Rajasthan Royals Captain IPL 2025
In a video shared by Rajasthan Royals on Instagram, Samson expressed his confidence in the team’s leadership group. “I’m not completely fit for the first three or more games,” he said. “We have a lot of leaders in this group, and over the years, they’ve done a fantastic job of maintaining a positive environment. For these three games, Riyan will take charge. He’s more than capable, and I trust everyone will support him.”
Riyan Parag IPL 2025 Captain
This will mark Riyan Parag’s first stint as captain in the IPL. A mainstay in the RR squad since 2019, Parag was retained for a whopping INR 14 crore ahead of last year’s mega auction. The 22-year-old had a breakout season in IPL 2024, amassing 573 runs—the highest for RR and the third-highest overall. His consistent performances, including four half-centuries, even earned him a spot in India’s T20I and ODI squads.
IPL 2025 Rajasthan Royals News
The Rajasthan Royals franchise released a statement highlighting their faith in Parag’s leadership abilities. “Riyan’s appointment as captain reflects our confidence in his skills, which he has honed as the captain of Assam’s domestic team. His deep understanding of the Royals’ setup and his growth over the years make him the ideal candidate to lead the team in the initial phase of the tournament.”
Riyan Parag RR Captaincy
Parag’s captaincy debut will come in RR’s opening match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 23. He will then lead the team in home games against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders on March 26 and Chennai Super Kings on March 30. Parag brings prior leadership experience, having captained Assam in domestic T20 cricket between 2021 and 2023, where he won 10 out of 17 matches while averaging 67.09 and striking at an impressive 167.72.
This bold move by Rajasthan Royals not only showcases their trust in young talent but also sets the stage for an exciting start to IPL 2025. Fans will be eager to see how Parag rises to the occasion and leads the team in Samson’s absence.
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