New Delhi: Rising cricket star Riyan Parag has been appointed as the captain of Rajasthan Royals for the first three matches of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. This decision comes as regular captain Sanju Samson is recovering from finger surgery and has been advised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to avoid wicketkeeping duties, allowing him to play only as a batsman during the initial matches.
As per agency report, Samson sustained a finger fracture during a T20 match against England in Mumbai, which required a minor surgical procedure. While he has been cleared to bat, the medical and sports science teams at BCCI’s Excellence Centre in Bengaluru have recommended additional rest for his finger before he resumes full responsibilities.
With this appointment, the 23-year-old Parag becomes one of the youngest captains in IPL history. The record for the youngest IPL captain remains with Virat Kohli, who led Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the age of 22.
Rajasthan Royals issued a statement confirming Parag’s temporary leadership, announcing that he will captain the team in their season opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 23, followed by matches against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders on March 26 and five-time champions Chennai Super Kings on March 30. Samson will only return to captaincy once he is declared fully fit.
Regarding the decision to hand over the leadership to Parag instead of the more experienced Yashasvi Jaiswal, the team management clarified that Parag had already demonstrated his leadership skills as the captain of Assam in domestic cricket. The franchise believes this stint as captain will further help in his growth as a cricketer.
