IPL 2025: Riyan Parag to captain RR in first 3 matches as Sanju Samson set to play as Impact Player

Riyan Parag was Rajasthan Royals’ highest run-scorer in last year’s IPL.

Rajasthan Royals (RR) have confirmed that Riyan Parag will lead the side for the first three matches of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, with regular skipper Sanju Samson playing as a specialist batsman.

The franchise will begin their IPL 2025 campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on March 23 in an afternoon game in Hyderabad, followed by matches against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on March 26 and March 30 at home in Jaipur.

The decision comes after Samson was ruled out of wicket-keeping from RR’s first three matches of IPL 2025. Earlier this year, he sustained a blow to his finger during the fifth T20I against England in Mumbai. The 30-year-old suffered the injury while batting in the first innings and was unable to keep wickets in the second innings, making way for substitute Dhruv Jurel.

Samson then underwent a surgery and was undergoing rehab at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and joined the RR squad on Monday, March 17.

Riyan Parag to captain Rajasthan Royals for the first three matches in IPL 2025, Sanju Samson to play as a specialist batsman

The Royals announced the news via their official X (formerly Twitter) account. The post read, “Update: Sanju will be playing our first three games as a batter, with Riyan stepping up to lead the boys in these matches!“

In the video Sanju Samson can heard breaking the news to the squad. The Indian wicketkeeper said, “Firstly, I think, as I said, I am actually not completely fit for the next three games.“

“So, I think there are a lot of leaders in this group. I think, over the past few years, there have been some great people who have taken care of this environment really nicely. But for the next three games, I think Riyan will be leading the team.“

With Samson ruled out of wicket-keeping duties, it can be assumed that Dhruv Jurel will keep wickets for the side in their first three games.

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