Rajasthan Royals will have a new leader at the helm as young Riyan Parag is all set to take charge for the first three matches of the ongoing IPL 2025. With regular skipper Sanju Samson still recovering from a finger injury, the Rajasthan Royals named Riyan Parag as the stand-in captain for the start of this season.
Parag will begin his captaincy journey against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Rajasthan Royals’ season opener on March 23 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. He will also lead the RR in the next two matches against Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings in Guwahati.
Sanju Samson’s injury paves the way for Riyan Parag’s captaincy debut in the IPL 2025
On the other hand, Samson, who suffered a right index finger injury during India’s T20I series against England at home, is yet to receive clearance from the BCCI Centre of Excellence for wicketkeeping duties. However, he could still play as a specialist batter or an impact player until he regains full fitness.
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Ahead of the SRH vs RR match in Hyderabad, Samson stressed that leadership is a journey, not a permanent role. As the Royals prepare for the future, the regular skipper has full confidence in Riyan Parag’s ability to take charge and lead the side effectively in his absence.
Sanju Samson said at the pre-match press conference, “After my second year of IPL, when we reached the finals, I was thinking I am not going to be the captain of Rajasthan Royals forever. So there has to be someone who is going to come, someone who will have to groom, and someone who will have to make ready after I leave or after I change being captain.”
We believe Riyan Parag is ready to lead RR: Sanju Samson
Since Samson will not be RR skipper forever, the Indian wicketkeeper-batter emphasized the need to groom future leaders. Sanju also revealed that he and the franchise have worked on developing multiple leaders within the squad over the years.
Samson added, “So, I think I and the whole franchisee have developed a lot of leaders in the team. There are, I don’t want to name any, but a lot of people have taken care of the team really well. There are really great leaders who have been helping me throughout the last 3-5 years. But for the next three games, we believe Riyan Parag is ready and capable to lead the side.”
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Age doesn’t matter; his talent does: Sanju Samson on Vaibhav Suryavanshi
Samson also hailed the 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, saying he is with the right team to grow as a player. He signed off by saying, “Age doesn’t matter; his talent does. Our scouts tracked him in U-19 matches, and his shot-making ability stood out. He is lucky to be at Rajasthan Royals and under the right hands of Rahul Dravid. This team knows how to nurture young Indian talent.”
Notably, the 23-year-old Parag also scripted history when he stepped out for the toss alongside Pat Cummins, SRH captain in Hyderabad, becoming the Royals’ youngest captain and the fifth-youngest skipper in IPL history on Sunday, March 23.
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