By- Tannu Puri
Riyan Parag will lead Rajasthan Royals (RR) for the first three games of IPL 2025, stepping in as the captain while regular leader Sanju Samson continues his recovery from a finger injury. Parag, the Assam batter, will captain the side temporarily, while Samson will play as a batter, possibly in an impact player role, for the initial matches.
The news was shared during an informal team meeting, with a video posted by RR on their social media. Samson addressed the team, explaining his fitness situation and announcing Parag’s captaincy. “I’m yet to be fully fit for the next three games,” said Samson. He added, “There are many leaders in this team… For the next three games, Riyan will be leading the team, and I expect everyone to support him.”
Samson is recovering from a right index finger injury sustained during the home T20Is against England, for which he underwent surgery. Though he’s made rapid progress as a batter, he still experiences discomfort while wicketkeeping. The RR camp confirmed that Samson would not take up his wicketkeeping duties until after the third game, when he will undergo another fitness test at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).
While Parag takes charge for the opening matches, Samson will represent RR at the IPL captains’ meeting in Mumbai, signaling his ongoing role within the team’s leadership.
