IPL 2025: Rajasthan Royals announce a surprising captain for first three games

In a press release, the Rajasthan Royals franchise has named Riyan Parag as their new captain for the first three games of the upcoming IPL 2025 season, scheduled to start on Saturday, March 22.

The captaincy news was revealed by Sanju Samson in a video posted by the franchise on social media. While Samson, the regular captain, will feature in the first three games, he will be part of the games as an impact player purely as a batter.

"I'm yet to be fully fit for the next three games. There are many leaders in this team. Over the last few years, there have been some great people who have taken care of this environment really nicely. For the next three games, Riyan will be leading the team. I expect everyone to support him and be with him,” said Sanju Samson while addressing the team.

Watch the full video here

https://x.com/rajasthanroyals/status/1902593579559874669 

Rajasthan Royals’ opening three fixtures are against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 23 away from home. Later, they will lock horns with the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders on March 26 at home and five-time champions Chennai Super Kings on March 30 at home.

Notably, Samson sustained the right index finger injury during the five-match T20I series against England earlier this year. While he underwent surgery, he made a quick recovery. Also, Sanju Samson will take part in the IPL captains meet in Mumbai, which is scheduled to take place on Thursday, March 20.

Rajasthan Royals squad for IPL 2025:

Sanju Samson (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Jofra Archer, Shimron Hetmyer, Tushar Deshpande, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Nitish Rana, Sandeep Sharma, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Kwena Maphaka, Akash Madhwal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Shubham Dubey, Yudhvir Singh, Kunal Singh Rathore, Ashok Sharma, Kumar Kartikeya.

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