Rajasthan Royals received a major setback just days before IPL 2025 begins. The 18th season of the popular cricket league will start on March 22 with Kolkata Knight Riders playing against Royal Challengers Bangalore at Eden Gardens.
Big Setback for Rajasthan Royals Ahead of IPL 2025
RR will play their first match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 23, but Sanju Samson won’t be leading the team for the first three games. He is recovering from a finger injury and has passed on the captaincy to batter Riyan Parag for those matches.
The franchise mentioned that Samson has not yet received clearance to take up wicketkeeping and fielding duties. However, he will still play in all the matches as a specialist batter.
“Sanju Samson, an integral part of the Royals set-up, will remain a key contributor with the bat till he gets cleared for wicket-keeping and fielding. He will return as captain once fully fit,” the franchise said in a statement.
Samson rejoined the squad recently after recovering from finger surgery, which he needed after injuring himself during India’s T20I series against England in February.
Riyan Parag to Lead Rajasthan Royals in Initial Matches
Rajasthan Royals decided to make Riyan Parag the captain for the first few games, showing their trust in his leadership skills, which he’s proven as Assam’s domestic captain. Having been with the team for years, he understands the squad well. Announcing the big news, Sanju Samson said:
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“I am not completely fit for the next three games. There are lot of leaders in this group. In the last few years, some great people have taken care of this environment really nicely. For the next three games, Riyan will lead the team.”
“He is capable of doing it. I expect everyone to support him and be with him,” he added.
SANJU SAMSON ANNOUCING RIYAN PARAG AS ROYALS CAPTAIN IN FIRST 3 GAMES..!!!
– Riyan will lead vs SRH, KKR & CSK. pic.twitter.com/G6F4WYgGD3
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 20, 2025
RR’s first two home games will be at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati on March 26 and March 30 against Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings. After that, they will play their remaining home matches at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.
The Royals, who won the first IPL title in 2008, reached the playoffs last year, finishing third on the points table. However, they were eliminated by Sunrisers Hyderabad in the eliminator and didn’t make it to the final.
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