Riyan Parag Named Captain For RR For First Three Games

Riyan Parag is all set to lead the Rajasthan Royals in the first three games of the season for IPL 2025. Parag is a makeshift leader as the regular skipper Sanju Samson will play in the match albeit as a pure batter hinting at an impact player role.

Parag's captaincy news was revealed during an informal team chat by Samson, the video of which was posted by Rajasthan Royals' social media handles.

Samson On Riyan Parag Leading RR

"I'm yet to fully recover to play a full game of Cricket," said Samson while addressing the team.

"There have been many leaders in the team, who have taken care of the environment of the Royals family over the years, Riyan will lead us in the first three games of our season, and I expect everyone to support him & be with him."

Samson is positively recovering from the injury to his right index finger, sustained during the home T20Is against England recently. The keeper-batter from Kerala had to undergo surgery on his index finger. While Parag is set to lead the Royals in their opening three matches Sanju will be representing the pink army in the captain's meet at the BCCI office in Mumbai.

Samson's fitness was under the scanner & was one of the biggest concerns ahead of IPL 2025. While Sanju had made good progress in fitness while batting, however, there was still some discomfort felt by the batter while practicing wicket-keeping.

As per reports, Sanju was expected a partial clearance as he was yet to clear the keeping fitness tests without any discomfort. As per the latest fitness update from the Royals camp, Sanju will have to wait for full clearance after the completion of the third game, post that game he has to attend another fitness test at the NCA for his keeping.

The Rajasthan Royals open their IPL 2025 campaign in an away clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday in a day game. The Royals then travel to Guwahati their second home for this edition to play the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (6th March) after a four-day gap they take on the mighty Chennai Super Kings at the same venue on March 11.