IPL 2025: Riyan Parag to lead RR in three games
What's the story
All-rounder Riyan Parag is set to lead Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the first three matches of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL).
The stand-in captaincy comes after regular skipper Sanju Samson announced his unavailability due to an injury.
The announcement was made during a team meeting where Samson expressed his confidence in Parag's leadership abilities and urged everyone to support him.
Recovery progress
Samson recovering from finger injury
Samson is currently recovering from a right index finger injury, which he suffered during the T20I series against England at home this year.
The wicketkeeper-batter underwent a surgery thereafter, however, he has made significant progress in his recovery process.
Although not fully fit yet, Samson will be representing the Royals at the captain's meeting in Mumbai while Parag leads on the field.
Leadership role
Parag's captaincy debut in IPL
This will be Riyan Parag's first stint as the Rajasthan Royals's captain since joining the franchise in 2019.
The 23-year-old all-rounder will lead the team against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Chennai Super Kings on March 23, 26, and 30 respectively.
Parag's leadership role comes after a strong performance last season where he scored 573 runs from 16 matches at a strike-rate of nearly 150 (149.3).
Future plans
RR express confidence in Parag
Samson, who has been an integral part of the Royals setup, will return as captain once he is fully fit. Till then, he will continue contributing with the bat.
The franchise expressed their decision to hand over the captaincy to Parag due to their faith in his leadership skills demonstrated during his tenure as Assam's domestic captain.
It also underscores Rajasthan Royals's confidence in young talent within their ranks.