Rajasthan Royals
Table of Contents
In the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, Rajasthan Royals (RR) faced Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on March 23, 2025. Notably, RR’s regular captain, Sanju Samson, did not lead the team in this match. Instead, 23-year-old all-rounder Riyan Parag assumed the captaincy for the first three games of the season. This strategic decision was primarily influenced by Samson’s recovery from a recent finger injury.
Sanju Samson’s Injury and Recovery
Sanju Samson sustained a finger injury during India’s fifth T20I against England in Mumbai the previous month. Following the injury, he underwent surgery to repair the damage. After a period of rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, Samson rejoined the RR squad. However, he was advised to refrain from wicket-keeping and fielding duties to ensure a full recovery. Consequently, Samson continued to play as a specialist batter and as an Impact Sub until he regained full fitness. citeturn0search0
Riyan Parag’s Leadership Role
With Samson unfit to lead, RR appointed Riyan Parag as the captain for the initial three matches of IPL 2025. Parag, who has been with RR since 2019, brings valuable leadership experience from his domestic cricket tenure. He captained Assam in T20 cricket between 2021 and 2023, leading the team to the semi-finals of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in the 2023-24 season. citeturn0search2
Parag’s domestic performance further bolstered his leadership credentials. In the 2024 IPL season, he scored 573 runs, making him RR’s highest run-scorer and the third-highest overall. His consistent performances earned him debuts in both T20I and ODI formats for India. citeturn0search0
Strategic Fit for the Opening Matches
The decision to have Parag lead RR in the first three matches was also influenced by the team’s fixtures. The opening game against SRH was followed by home matches in Guwahati against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings. Given Parag’s Assamese heritage and familiarity with Guwahati’s conditions, he was well-suited to lead the team during these fixtures. citeturn0search2
Samson’s Support for Parag
Sanju Samson expressed his confidence in Parag’s leadership abilities. In a video shared by RR, Samson stated, “I am not completely fit for the next three games. But for the next three matches, Riyan Parag will be leading the side. He is well capable of doing it. I expect everyone to support him.” citeturn0search3
Conclusion
Riyan Parag’s elevation to captaincy in the absence of Sanju Samson was a strategic decision by Rajasthan Royals, aimed at ensuring effective leadership during Samson’s recovery period. Parag’s leadership experience, combined with his recent domestic and IPL performances, made him a natural choice to lead the team in the initial phase of the 2025 season. This approach allowed RR to maintain continuity and competitiveness while supporting Samson’s return to full fitness.
