IPL 2025: Riyan Parag to lead Rajasthan Royals in first 3 matches as Sanju Samson recovers from injury | Cricket News

File photo of Riyan Parag (AFP)

Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Thursday named Riyan Parag as their stand-in captain for the first three matches of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season, with regular skipper Sanju Samson recovering from his finger surgery.
According to reports, the decision to appoint Parag as skipper has come after the BCCI’s medical team advised Samson to stay away from wicket-keeping duty in order to give his finger ample time to heal fully. He is, thus, available to play only as a batter at the start of the tournament. However, the RR management took a pre-emptive decision to name Parag as the stand-by captain should Samson be not available for selection.
Samson suffered the injury during the Mumbai T20I against England, when a delivery from fast bowler Jofra Archer struck his finger. He underwent surgical intervention last month.
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Medical experts and sports scientists at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru have recommended additional recovery time for Samson’s fingers before he resumes wicket-keeping responsibilities, although he has received clearance to bat.
At 23 years of age, Parag will join the elite group of youngest IPL captains. The record for the youngest captain remains with Virat Kohli, who led Royal Challengers Bengaluru at age 22.
“Rajasthan Royals have announced that Riyan Parag will lead the team for the first three matches of IPL 2025,” RR said in a statement.
“The young all-rounder will take charge in the opening fixture against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 23, followed by home encounters against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders on March 26 and five-time champions Chennai Super Kings on March 30,” the franchise stated.
Samson, a crucial member of the Royals squad, will continue to contribute significantly as a batsman until he receives clearance for wicket-keeping and fielding duties. Upon regaining full fitness, he will resume his captaincy role and might serve as an impact substitute during these three matches.
The Royals’ leadership clarified their decision to select the Assam player over the more internationally experienced and dynamic Yashasvi Jaiswal.
“Rajasthan Royals’ decision to hand Riyan the captaincy underscores the franchise’s confidence in his leadership, a skill he has demonstrated through his tenure as Assam’s domestic captain.
“Having been a crucial member of the Royals setup over the years, his understanding of the team’s dynamic makes him well-equipped to step into this role for the initial phase of the tournament,” the team said.