IPL 2025: Riyan Parag receives big elevation at Rajasthan Royals, to captain franchise in first three matches

Riyan Parag will captain Rajasthan Royals (RR) for the first three matches of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 as Sanju Samson is still to fully recover from a recent injury, the franchise announced on Thursday. Samson suffered a finger injury during India’s T20I series at home against England when he was struck by a Jofra Archer bouncer.

Samson underwent surgery on the wounded finger later on and completed rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. However, RR have confirmed that the 30-year-old is still not 100 percent match-fit as he has not been given clearance for wicketkeeping by the BCCI Centre of Excellence.

Riyan Parag made RR captain for first three IPL matches

Rajasthan Royals in a press release on Thursday said that Samson will play only as a batter/Impact Player till he is cleared for the wicket-keeping role. As a result, Riyan Parag will captain the team in its first three matches..

“Sanju Samson, an integral part of the Royals set-up, will remain a key contributor with the bat till he gets cleared for wicket-keeping and fielding. He will return as captain once fully fit,” the release said.

More from First Cricket

Former New Zealand coach who defeated India in WTC final appointed Andhra Pradesh head coach for Ranji Trophy Sri Lanka crush Bangladesh by six wickets to record commanding win in Asia Cup 2025

Parag’s first match as RR captain will be against Sunrisers Hyderabad on 23 March at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.

He is also expected to captain RR in their next two matches which are in his hometown Guwahati. RR face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati on 26 and 30 March respectively.