Riyan Parag has been appointed as the captain of the Rajasthan Royals for the first three matches of the IPL 2025 season, following regular captain Sanju Samson’s recovery from finger surgery.
This decision was announced on March 20, 2025, as the franchise prepares for its campaign starting with a match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 23.
Background on Sanju Samson’s Injury
Sanju Samson, who has been the backbone of Rajasthan Royals both as captain and wicketkeeper-batter, sustained a finger injury during India’s T20I series against England earlier this year.
The injury occurred when Samson was struck by a delivery from Jofra Archer while attempting a sharp catch behind the stumps.
Following surgery last month, Samson has been advised by medical experts to avoid wicketkeeping duties for at least two weeks to ensure proper healing.
While he has been cleared to bat, he will participate in the initial matches of IPL 2025 as an ‘Impact Player’ rather than taking on his usual leadership and wicketkeeping responsibilities.
The Royals management decided to temporarily hand over the captaincy to Riyan Parag to allow Samson time to recover fully without compromising the team’s stability.
Riyan Parag’s Leadership Role
At just 23 years old, Riyan Parag steps into this leadership role, joining the ranks of the youngest captains in IPL history.
The franchise expressed confidence in Parag’s abilities, citing his previous experience as captain of Assam’s domestic team and his deep understanding of the Royals’ dynamics.
Parag has been with the Rajasthan Royals since 2019 and had a standout performance in the previous season, scoring 573 runs at an impressive average of 52.09.
RR Upcoming Matches
Parag will lead the team in three crucial matches:
- March 23: vs. Sunrisers Hyderabad (Away)
- March 26: vs. Kolkata Knight Riders (Home)
- March 30: vs. Chennai Super Kings (Home)
The Royals management highlighted that Parag’s leadership is pivotal during this transitional phase, ensuring that the team maintains its competitive edge while Samson recovers.
