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Rajasthan Royals (RR) have appointed 23-year-old Riyan Parag as stand-in captain for the first three matches of IPL 2025, replacing injured regular skipper Sanju Samson. Parag, who joined RR in 2019, will become the youngest-ever IPL captain when he leads the team against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on March 23.
Why the Change?
Samson sustained a right index finger injury during India’s T20I series against England earlier this year. Though he has recovered enough to bat, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not yet cleared him for wicketkeeping duties.
Samson will, however, attend the captains’ meeting in Mumbai but hand on-field leadership to Parag.
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Parag’s Leadership Credentials
The Assam all-rounder, who captains his state team domestically, earned the role after a breakout 2024 season where he scored 573 runs at a strike rate of 149.3. RR’s management highlighted his ‘proven leadership skills’ and familiarity with the squad’s dynamics in a press release as reasons for the decision.
Notably, Parag will also lead against Kolkata Knight Riders (March 26) and Chennai Super Kings (March 30).
Samson’s Role & Team Dynamics
Samson will play as a specialist batter initially, with Dhruv Jurel taking over wicketkeeping. The Royals face added pressure after releasing overseas stars Jos Buttler and Trent Boult, relying heavily on Indian batters like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Nitish Rana.
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Challenges Ahead
RR’s bowling hinges on Jofra Archer’s fitness and spinners Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana. Parag’s tactical acumen will be tested in balancing a thin all-rounder pool. The franchise also confirmed that Samson will resume captaincy once fully fit.
