Rajasthan Royals (RR) have announced that Riyan Parag will captain the team for their first three matches in IPL 2025, as regular skipper Sanju Samson continues to recover from a finger injury. While Samson will feature as a batter, he will take over leadership duties once fully fit.
Samson underwent finger surgery last month and recently joined the RR squad after completing rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. With his wicketkeeping and fielding duties still on hold, RR has the option of using him as an Impact Substitute. Dhruv Jurel, who replaced Samson as wicketkeeper in India’s fifth T20I against England in February, is a potential choice behind the stumps for RR.
“I’m not completely fit for three or more games,” Samson stated in a video shared by Rajasthan Royals’ official Instagram handle. “I think there are a lot of leaders from this group. From the last few years, there have been great people who have taken care of this environment really nicely. But for the three games, Riyan will be leading. He is well capable to do it, and I expect everyone to be with him and support him.”
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Parag’s Captaincy Debut in IPL
This will be Parag’s first time leading a team in the IPL, making him the fifth-youngest captain in tournament history. The 22-year-old has been a key player for Rajasthan Royals since 2019 and was retained by the franchise for ₹14 crore ahead of the 2024 mega auction. His exceptional form in IPL 2024, where he scored 573 runs—the highest for RR and third overall in the season—played a crucial role in earning him his T20I and ODI debuts for India.
The Royals emphasized their confidence in Parag’s leadership abilities in a statement: “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.“
Fixture Lineup Under Parag’s Captaincy
Parag will lead the team in three crucial matches at the beginning of IPL 2025:
- March 23: Season opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad
- March 26: Home match in Guwahati against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders
- March 30: Another home fixture against Chennai Super Kings
His leadership experience with Assam in domestic T20 competitions will be valuable in this role. Between 2021 and 2023, Parag captained Assam in 17 T20 matches, securing 10 wins while averaging 67.09 with a strike rate of 167.72.
Samson’s Road to Recovery
Sanju Samson’s return as full-time captain will depend on his recovery progress. Although he is available as a batter, his ability to resume wicketkeeping and fielding duties remains uncertain. Rajasthan Royals will closely monitor his condition before reintroducing him in an all-round role.
With Parag stepping into the leadership role and Samson playing as a specialist batter, RR will aim for a strong start in IPL 2025. The franchise has placed its trust in young leadership, and Parag will have the opportunity to prove his credentials on one of cricket’s biggest stages.
Read More: IPL 2025: Royal Challengers Bengaluru Preview – Squad Analysis of RCB and Starting XII
FAQs
Why is Riyan Parag captaining Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025?
Riyan Parag is leading RR for the first three matches as regular captain Sanju Samson is recovering from a finger injury and will only play as a batter initially.
When will Sanju Samson return as Rajasthan Royals’ full-time captain?
Samson will reclaim the captaincy once he is fully fit and cleared for wicketkeeping and fielding duties.
Who will keep wickets for Rajasthan Royals in Samson’s absence?
Dhruv Jurel is a strong contender for wicketkeeping duties, as he previously stepped in for Samson in India’s T20I series against England.
What is Riyan Parag’s leadership experience before IPL 2025?
Parag has captained Assam in domestic T20 cricket, winning 10 of 17 matches with an impressive average of 67.09 and a strike rate of 167.72.
Which matches will Riyan Parag captain in IPL 2025?
Parag will lead RR in three games: against Sunrisers Hyderabad (March 23), Kolkata Knight Riders (March 26), and Chennai Super Kings (March 30).
