Rajasthan Royals team management has announced that their regular skipper Sanju Samson who is not fully fit after undergoing a finger surgery will purely play as a batter in the first three games of the season. In his absence, Riyan Parag will take over the captaincy.
Samson who is recuperating from a finger injury joined the Rajasthan Royals on Monday following his rehab at NCA in Bengaluru. While questions remain on his fitness and availability as a wicketkeeper batter, the team has now clarified that Samson will only be playing as a pure batter and is likely to be used as an impact sub.
In Samson’s absence, Dhruv Jurel will takeover the wicket keeping duties. He has a pretty quick hands and can move around well behind the stumps. While Samson in a recent video posted on official Rajasthan Royals instagram account said
I’m not completely fit for three or more games,” “I think there are a lot of leaders from this group. From the last few years, there have been great people who have taken care of this environment really nicely. But for the three games, Riyan will be leading. He is well capable to do it and I expect everyone to be with him and support him.”
Riyan Parag Capable of Leading Rajasthan Royals
Riyan Parag meanwhile will be captaining an IPL side for the first time since his debut in 2019. After a phenomenal season in IPL 2024 where he racked up 573 runs ending the season as the leading run-scorer for RR and 3rd highest in the season. Parag has previously captained his stateside Assam in the Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy, the dynamic all-rounder will face a huge test in his first ever match as Captain of the Royals.
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.” – Statement from the RR Franchise
Parag will take charge as captain on March 23rd when the Royals square off against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the first afternoon game of the season on Sunday at Guwahati. While Riyan Parag has previously captained in 17 matches for Assam and won 10.
