IPL 2025: Sanju Samson Set to Miss Rajasthan Royals First Three Matches, Riyan Parag to Lead

Rajasthan Royals (RR) skipper Sanju Samson is confirmed to miss the first three matches of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, which is set to commence on March 22. RR will kick off their IPL 2025 campaign against the previous edition's runners-up SRH on March 23 at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad.

The wicketkeeper-batter injured his finger during a T20I match against England and underwent surgery before the Champions Trophy. According to news agency PTI, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to clear him for wicketkeeping duties. In Samson's absence, Riyan Parag will lead as captain of the first IPL champions. He will be the youngest cricketer to ever lead a franchise in IPL history.

Riyan Parag will lead the team in the opening match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 23, followed by home games against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders on March 26 and five-time winners Chennai Super Kings on March 30.

"Rajasthan Royals’ decision to hand Riyan the captaincy underscores the franchise’s confidence in his leadership, a skill he has demonstrated through his tenure as Assam’s domestic captain. Having been a crucial member of the Royals setup over the years, his understanding of the team’s dynamic makes him well-equipped to step into this role for the initial phase of the tournament." the RR press release said.

RR IPL 2025 Squad

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

IPL 2025: Rajasthan Royals Full Schedule