Riyan Parag to lead Rajasthan Royals in first three matches of IPL 2025

All-rounder Riyan Parag has been assigned captaincy of Rajasthan Royals for the first three matches of IPL 2025 as their regular skipper Sanju Samson, who is recuperating from a finger injury, is set to play as a batter till he gets cleared for wicketkeeping and fielding duties.

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Samson, who suffered a finger surgery last month, joined the RR squad on Monday following his rehab at the National Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. He is likely to play as an Impact Sub in the IPL, with Dhruv Jurel likely to take up wicketkeeping duties. "I'm not completely fit for three or more games. I think there are a lot of leaders from this group. From the last few years, there have been great people who have taken care of this environment really nicely. But for the three games, Riyan will be leading. He is well capable of doing it and I expect everyone to be with him and support him," Samson made the announcement in a video posted by the official RR handle.

Samson will return as captain once fully fit, an RR release said.