Rajasthan Royals announce Riyan Parag as new captain; Sanju Samson’s fate unknown for first three IPL 2025 matches
Riyan Parag has been named Rajasthan Royals captain for the side's first three matches in IPL 2025.
Rajasthan Royals' batter Riyan Parag has been named the side's captain for the first three matches of IPL 2025, the franchise announced on Thursday. The announcement follows Sanju Samson’s decision to delay his return as captain until he regains full fitness; though cleared to bat, he remains unfit for wicketkeeping duties.
The Royals took to their official social media handles to confirm the announcement, as they shared the video of Sanju announcing Parag as the skipper in a team meeting.
“Update: Sanju will be playing our first three games as a batter, with Riyan stepping up to lead the boys in these matches!” the Royals wrote.
This will be the first time Riyan Parag will lead the Royals since beginning his IPL career with the same franchise in 2019. The right-handed batter from Assam endured tough outings, and faced severe criticism for his poor performances with the bat throughout his first five seasons; however, Parag redeemed himself last year, emerging as one of the top performers in the league.
The batter scored 573 runs in 16 matches for the franchise at a strike rate of nearly 150 (149.3).
Samson's injury
Samson joined the Royals earlier this week after completing his recovery from a finger surgery he underwent last month.
The 30-year-old cricketer, who finished his rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, attended the Royals' first practice session on Monday ahead of the upcoming season.
Samson had suffered the injury after being struck by a bouncer from Jofra Archer during India's five-match T20I series against England. Following the injury, he underwent surgery to treat the damaged finger. In Samson's absence behind the stumps, Dhruv Jurel will most likely be performing the wicketkeeping duties in the first three matches for the Royals.
The franchise, which won the IPL title in its inaugural season in 2008, will kick off their campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Hyderabad on March 23.
