IPL 2025: Why Did Sanju Samson Name Riyan Parag As Rajasthan Royals Skipper For 3 Matches? Reason Revealed

In a major update from the Rajasthan Royals camp, Riyan Parag is set to lead Rajasthan Royals in the first three matches of the upcoming IPL 2025 season. Riyan was handed the reign of the team by Sanju Samson during a team meeting while he will continue to play as batter (mostly Impact player).

"I am not completely fit for the next three games. There are lot of leaders in this group. In the last few years, some great people have taken care of this environment really nicely. For the next three games, Riyan will lead the team," Sanju Samson said. The video fo the same was sharedby Rajasthan Royals social media handle.

Samson suffered a finger injury after being struck by a bouncer from Jofra Archer during India’s five-match T20I series against England. Following the injury, he underwent surgery to treat the damaged finger and recently returned to the RR camp..

Matches Riyan Parag Will Captain Rajasthan Royals

The young all-rounder (Riyan Parag) 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. 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.

Rajasthan Royals squad

Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Sandeep Sharma, Jofra Archer (₹12.50 crore), Maheesh Theekshana (₹4.4 crore), Wanindu Hasaranga (₹5.25 crore), Akash Madhwal (₹1.20 crore), Kumar Kartikeya (₹30 lakh), Nitish Rana (₹4.20 crore), Tushar Deshpande (₹6.50 crore), Shubham Dubey (₹80 lakh), Yudhvir Singh (₹35 lakh), Fazalhaq Farooqi (₹2 crore), Vaibhav Suryavanshi (₹1.10 crore), Kwena Maphaka (₹1.50 crore), Kunal Rathore (₹30 lakh), Ashok Sharma (₹30 lakh).