The Rajasthan Royals have made a surprising captaincy change just days before the start of IPL 2025. Regular captain Sanju Samson is still recovering from a finger injury, preventing him from taking on wicketkeeping and fielding duties. As a result, batter Riyan Parag has been named the stand-in captain for the first three matches of the season.
Why Is Sanju Samson Not Leading Rajasthan Royals?
Sanju Samson suffered a finger injury during India’s T20I series against England in February, which required surgery. While he has rejoined the squad, he has yet to receive clearance for full match duties. However, he will still play as a specialist batter until he is fully fit. Once cleared, Samson will return to his leadership role.
Riyan Parag Takes Over as Captain
The franchise has placed its trust in Riyan Parag to lead the team in Samson’s absence. Parag has experience as a captain, having led Assam in domestic cricket. His familiarity with the Royals’ setup and strong performances in past IPL seasons made him a natural choice for this temporary role.
Rajasthan Royals’ Opening Matches in IPL 2025
Rajasthan Royals will begin their IPL 2025 campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 23. Their first two home games will be played at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati against Kolkata Knight Riders on March 26 and Chennai Super Kings on March 30. After that, they will return to their primary home ground, Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.
Rajasthan Royals’ Performance in Previous IPL Seasons
Rajasthan Royals have had mixed results in recent IPL seasons. They won the inaugural title in 2008 and reached the playoffs last year, finishing third in the points table. However, they were eliminated after losing to Sunrisers Hyderabad in the eliminator round. With a solid squad and strategic leadership, RR aims to make a stronger impact in IPL 2025.
Conclusion
The decision to appoint Riyan Parag as the interim captain shows Rajasthan Royals’ confidence in their young talent. While Sanju Samson’s injury is a setback, his presence as a batter ensures that the team remains competitive. Fans will be eager to see how Parag leads RR in their opening matches and whether Samson can return to full strength soon. As IPL 2025 kicks off, Rajasthan Royals will hope to start their campaign on a winning note.