IPL 2025: Riyan Parag Will Lead Rajasthan Royals For First 3 Matches

On March 20, In the Indians Premier League 2025, The Rajasthan Royals (RR) named all-rounder Riyan Parag as their stand-in captain for the first three games of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL). Sanju Samson, the normal captain, is still recovering from a finger fracture, hence this decision was made. 

The Status Of Sanju Samson's Injuries

Due to a finger fracture, Sanju Samson, who has been essential to RR's leadership, has not yet fully returned to the game. Medical advice has advised against him taking on wicket keeping tasks or the additional obligations of captaincy during the first stage of his recuperation, even if he has been allowed to rejoin the team as a batter. 

The Rise Of Riyan Parag To Captain

Riyan Parag's appointment as captain for the first games provides proof of his increasing importance to the team. Parag has shown his range as a strong middle-order batsman, a useful off-spinner, and a superb fielder since joining RR in 2019. During his first season, he made history by becoming the youngest player to register an IPL fifty. He was retained by RR for ₹14 crore ahead of the 2025 season as a result of his steady performances, which secured his status. ​

Schedule for the Rajasthan Royals' Matches

On March 23, RR will play Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium to kick off their IPL 2025 campaign under Parag's direction. The next games are a home meet on March 26 against the Kolkata Knight Riders at Guwahati's Barsapara Cricket Stadium and another match on March 30 at the same location.