Riyan Parag to lead RR for first-three games

Riyan Parag to lead Rajasthan Royals for first three games of IPL 2025

Riyan Parag will lead Rajasthan Royals (RR) for the first three games of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Sanju Samson, the regular captain, will feature in the matches but only as a batter, possibly indicating an impact player role.

Parag's captaincy was revealed during a team chat by Samson, who is recovering from an injury to his right index finger. Samson addressed the team, saying, "For the next three games, Riyan will be leading the team. I expect everyone to support him and be with him."

Samson underwent surgery for the finger injury, which he sustained during the home T20Is against England. He has made rapid strides in his recovery and will be representing RR at the IPL captains' meeting in Mumbai.

Samson was one of the major Indian players whose recovery from injury was under the scanner leading up to the IPL. While he had made satisfactory progress in fitness while batting, there had been noticeable discomfort for the 30-year-old while keeping wickets. A partial clearance was expected for Samson, but the latest update from the RR camp indicates that he will have to wait till the completion of the third game to attend another fitness test at the NCA for his keeping.