Jaipur (Rajasthan) [India], March 20 : Young all-rounder Riyan Parag will step up as captain for Rajasthan Royals (RR) in their first three matches of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, as regular skipper Sanju Samson recovers from a finger injury. Samson will play as a specialist batter until he regains full fitness, according to the franchise’s official website.
RR, the inaugural IPL champions in 2008, announced the decision through a press release. Parag will lead the team against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on March 23 at Uppal Stadium, followed by matches against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on March 26 and five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on March 30 in Guwahati.
“Rajasthan Royals have announced that Riyan Parag will lead the team for the first three matches of IPL 2025. 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 press note stated.
Sanju Samson, a crucial figure in the Royals’ setup, will continue to contribute with the bat but will refrain from wicket-keeping and fielding duties until he is fully fit. He is expected to return as captain once cleared by the medical team.
Samson personally announced the move in a video shared on RR’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle, saying, “I am not actually completely fit for three more games. There are a lot of leaders in the group. Over the years, there are some great people who have taken care of this environment nicely. For the next three games, I think Riyan will be leading the team. He is well capable of doing it and I expect everyone to support him and to be with him.”
Parag’s Leadership and Recent Performance
RR’s decision to entrust Riyan Parag with the captaincy highlights their faith in his leadership abilities, which he has showcased as Assam’s domestic captain. A key member of the Royals’ squad for several seasons, Parag’s familiarity with the team dynamics makes him a fitting choice for the role in Samson’s absence.
Parag was RR’s highest run-scorer last season and the third-highest overall in IPL 2024. His breakout season saw him amass 573 runs at an average of 52.09 and a strike rate of 149.21, including four half-centuries, with a top score of 84*. A shift to the No. 3 position from the lower-middle order proved to be a game-changer for him.
With a strong squad, emerging young talents, and a structured leadership transition, Rajasthan Royals are focused on making a solid start to IPL 2025.