Rajasthan Royals on Thursday named Riyan Parag as their stand-in captain for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season.
The decision was revealed on a social media video by Sanju Samson. The regular captain will feature in the first three matches, purely as a batter, with a chance to play as an impact player.
“I’m yet to be fully fit for the next three games,” said Samson while addressing the team.
“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.”
Samson is still recovering from an index finger injury that he sustained during the T20s series at home against England. He is steadily making recovery and is likely to return as captain in match against Mumbai Indians.
Parag, meanwhile, was the third-highest run scorer in the IPL 2024. He accumulated 573 runs at a staggering average of 52.09 with the highest score of an unbeaten 84. The wicketkeeper batter had four half-centuries to his name.