Riyan Parag will captain the Rajasthan Royals (RR) for their initial three matches of IPL 2025. Regular captain Sanju Samson, recovering from a finger injury, is set to participate as a batter until he is cleared for wicketkeeping and fielding duties.

Samson, who underwent finger surgery last month, joined the RR squad on Monday after completing his rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. He is expected to play as an Impact Substitute in the IPL. Dhruv Jurel is a potential option for wicketkeeping. Jurel previously filled in as wicketkeeper for Samson in the fifth T20I against England in February, after Samson sustained a finger injury while batting. According to an RR release, Samson will resume his captaincy once he is fully fit.

In a video shared on RR’s official Instagram, Samson stated, “I’m not completely fit for the first three or more games. There are many leaders within this group. Over the past few years, capable individuals have effectively managed the team environment. For the first three games, Riyan will take the lead. He is definitely capable, and I anticipate everyone’s support for him.”

This marks Parag’s first captaincy stint in the IPL, making him the fifth youngest player to captain an IPL team. He has been with RR since 2019. Ahead of the previous year’s mega auction, the franchise retained him for INR 14 crore. In the 2024 IPL season, Parag was the highest run-scorer for RR and third overall, amassing 573 runs with four half-centuries. His performance earned him his debut in both T20I and ODI formats for India.

According to a franchise statement, “Rajasthan Royals’ decision to appoint Riyan as captain highlights the franchise’s trust in his leadership abilities, which he has demonstrated as Assam’s domestic captain. Having been a vital part of the Royals setup for years, his understanding of the team dynamics positions him well to take on this role for the beginning of the tournament.”

Parag’s captaincy will commence with the opening match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 23, followed by home games in Guwahati against Kolkata Knight Riders, the defending champions, on March 26, and Chennai Super Kings on March 30. Between 2021 and 2023, Parag led Assam in T20 cricket, winning 10 out of 17 matches, with a batting average of 67.09 and a strike rate of 167.72.