Riyan Parag to lead Rajasthan Royals in first 3 games, Samson to play as a batter

Rajasthan Royals (RR) have announced that Riyan Parag will captain the team for the first three matches of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. This decision comes as regular skipper Sanju Samson is awaiting clearance from the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) Centre of Excellence to resume his wicketkeeping duties following a recent finger surgery.
During this period, Samson will continue to contribute as a specialist batter. The franchise has expressed confidence in Parag’s leadership abilities, highlighting his experience as Assam’s domestic captain and his deep understanding of the Royals’ team dynamics.
Parag, who has been with RR since 2019, had a standout performance in the previous IPL season, amassing 573 runs at an average of 52.09, including four half-centuries. His consistent contributions have solidified his position as a key player for the team.
The Royals will commence their IPL 2025 campaign against SunRisers Hyderabad on March 23, followed by home matches against Kolkata Knight Riders on March 26 and Chennai Super Kings on March 30. The team aims to make a strong start under Parag’s leadership, with Samson’s batting prowess bolstering the lineup.
This leadership transition underscores RR’s commitment to nurturing young talent and maintaining a competitive edge in the tournament. Fans and analysts alike will be keen to observe how Parag’s captaincy influences the team’s performance in these initial matches.