IPL 2025: Reason Why Not Sanju Samson But Riyan Parag Will Captain Rajasthan Royals In First Three Games

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season is set to begin with a significant challenge for Rajasthan Royals (RR). Their regular captain, Sanju Samson, will miss the team’s first three matches due to his recovery from finger surgery. While Samson’s absence is a temporary setback, it also presents an exciting leadership opportunity for young all-rounder Riyan Parag.

As RR prepares to navigate the early phase of the season without their seasoned captain, the team’s resilience and adaptability will be put to the test. Parag’s appointment as the stand-in skipper adds an element of intrigue, especially given his recent form and growing maturity as a player. Let’s delve deeper into the impact of Samson’s absence, Parag’s leadership potential, and RR’s early challenges in IPL 2025.

Sanju Samson’s Injury and Recovery Timeline

Sanju Samson sustained a significant injury during the fifth T20I against England when a Jofra Archer bouncer—delivered at nearly 150 kmph—struck his right index finger. The impact was severe enough to require surgery, which he underwent on February 12. Following his operation, Samson spent weeks in rehabilitation at Bengaluru’s Centre of Excellence, focusing on regaining full fitness ahead of the IPL.

Although Samson has now rejoined the Rajasthan Royals camp and participated in practice sessions, doubts remain regarding his ability to take on wicketkeeping duties immediately. If he is not fit to keep wickets in RR’s opening match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 23, Dhruv Jurel is expected to step in as the team’s wicketkeeper.

Despite the injury, Samson remains a crucial figure for RR, not only as a skilled batter but also as an experienced leader. His absence from the first three matches means that the team will need to adjust its strategies while awaiting his return.

Riyan Parag: A New Leadership Role

With Samson sidelined, Rajasthan Royals have entrusted 22-year-old all-rounder Riyan Parag with the captaincy for their first three matches. The decision underscores the franchise’s confidence in Parag’s leadership abilities and growing stature within the team.

Why Parag?

Parag has been in exceptional form leading into IPL 2025. During a recent practice match, he hammered an astonishing 144 runs from just 64 balls, showcasing his ability to dominate bowling attacks. His elevation to captaincy is also a reward for his outstanding IPL 2024 season, where he amassed 573 runs at an impressive average of 52.09, including four half-centuries.

A significant shift in Parag’s batting role has contributed to his rise. Initially used as a lower-middle-order hitter, Parag was promoted to No. 3 during IPL 2024, and he thrived in the position. His adaptability and ability to anchor the innings while accelerating when needed make him a vital asset to the Royals’ batting lineup.

Additionally, Parag has fully recovered from a shoulder injury that kept him out of India’s T20I series against South Africa and England in late 2024. His return to peak fitness ensures that RR can rely on his all-round skills in their opening games.

The Significance of His Captaincy

This captaincy stint is a golden opportunity for Parag to prove himself as a future leader. Taking charge of a high-profile IPL franchise, even for a few matches, will test his tactical acumen, ability to handle pressure, and team management skills. If he performs well in this role, it could strengthen his case for a more prominent leadership role in the future.

Challenges for Rajasthan Royals in Samson’s Absence

RR’s campaign begins with a tricky set of fixtures against Sunrisers Hyderabad (March 23), Kolkata Knight Riders (March 27), and Chennai Super Kings (March 30). These matches will be critical in setting the tone for their season.

1. Tough Opposition Early On

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH): A strong team with powerful batters like Heinrich Klaasen and Travis Head, alongside world-class bowlers like Pat Cummins.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): A dangerous side featuring Shreyas Iyer, Andre Russell, and Mitchell Starc.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK): A five-time IPL champion with a legacy of consistency, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad.

Parag will need to ensure that RR remains competitive against these formidable opponents, especially in the absence of their regular leader.

2. Handling Pressure as a Young Captain

Stepping into the shoes of Sanju Samson, even temporarily, is a daunting task. Leading an IPL team at just 22 years old is a huge responsibility, and Parag will have to manage senior players like Jos Buttler, Trent Boult, and R. Ashwin while simultaneously focusing on his own performances.

3. The Wicketkeeping Conundrum

With Samson out, RR will have to make a crucial decision regarding the wicketkeeper’s role. If Samson is not fit to keep wickets upon his return, Dhruv Jurel, a talented young wicketkeeper-batter, could be a viable alternative. However, juggling the responsibilities of leadership, batting, and wicketkeeping is a challenge RR must carefully navigate.

Sanju Samson’s Expected Return and Long-Term Impact

Sanju Samson is expected to resume captaincy once he is fully fit. Over the last few seasons, Samson has been instrumental in RR’s success. Under his leadership, RR reached the playoffs in IPL 2024 and finished as runners-up in IPL 2022. His return will be crucial for the franchise as they push for another deep run in the tournament.

Beyond his leadership, Samson is one of RR’s most reliable batters. His ability to stabilize the innings and play explosive knocks makes him irreplaceable. While Parag’s captaincy stint will be a great learning experience for him, the Royals will undoubtedly be eager for Samson’s comeback.

A Defining Phase for Rajasthan Royals

The first three matches of IPL 2025 will be a defining period for Rajasthan Royals. While Sanju Samson’s absence is a setback, it also opens doors for Riyan Parag to showcase his leadership potential. If Parag succeeds in steering RR to a strong start, it could mark the beginning of a new chapter in his IPL career.

Fans will be eagerly watching how the team adapts in these opening games. Will Parag rise to the occasion and deliver as a leader? Can RR overcome the absence of their regular captain and build early momentum? These questions will be answered when the team takes the field on March 23.

One thing is certain—the Rajasthan Royals have a lot to prove in IPL 2025, and how they navigate the initial phase will play a key role in shaping their campaign.

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