Sanju Samson, Rajasthan Royals’ regular captain, will be absent from leading the team through the initial three games of IPL 2025 because of his recent comeback from finger surgery. Samson got injured while playing the fifth T20I against England when he was hit by a bouncer from Jofra Archer at close to 150 kmph. The punch injured his right index finger, and he had to have surgery on February 12, with subsequent rehabilitation at Bengaluru’s Centre of Excellence.
Even though Samson has returned to Royals’ team and attended practice sessions, questions still linger as to whether he can play wicketkeeping right away. If not fit enough for Royals’ first match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 23, Dhruv Jurel will come in as the wicketkeeper.
Riyan Parag’s leadership opportunity
Riyan Parag has been given the task of captaining Rajasthan Royals for their first three matches of IPL 2025. The choice signifies the team’s faith in Parag’s capability to excel both on the field and as a skipper. The 22-year-old all-rounder has been in top touch lately, having smashed a remarkable 144 runs from 64 balls in a practice match.
Parag’s elevation follows his impressive season in IPL 2024, during which he scored 573 runs at 52.09, including four half-centuries. His adaptation from a lower-middle-order batter to play at number three has rendered him an invaluable commodity for the Royals. Parag has also made a complete comeback from a shoulder injury that had kept him out of India’s T20Is against South Africa and England last year.
Also READ: IPL 2025 – Salary of Rajasthan Royals (RR) players; check out how much Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal earn
Challenges ahead for Rajasthan Royals
The Royals have a tough initiation to their IPL season with three games against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings in rapid succession. Parag’s captaincy will be instrumental in keeping team spirits high and gaining early momentum. Although Samson is an indispensable member of the team, his temporary loss of captaincy gives Parag a chance to establish himself as a good leader.
Samson will be back as captain once he is fully fit. His leadership has been pivotal in taking the Royals to triumph over the last few seasons, with playoff campaigns in IPL 2024 and a final qualification in IPL 2022. Fans can’t wait for his return to captain the side later in the tournament.
