Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson confirmed on Thursday, March 20 that he will not lead the former champions in the first three games of Indian Premier League 2025. Samson said Riyan Parag will step in as the stand-in captain for the three games.
Rajasthan Royals, however, said Sanju Samson will play those games as a pure batter. Samson, who suffered an injury concern earlier this season, said he has not fully recovered from the setback. Samson fractured his finger during a T20I series earlier this year.
Samson is likely to play as an Impact Substitute until he is cleared for wicketkeeping duties.
“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,” Sanju Samson said.
“He is capable of doing it. I expect everyone to support him and be with him,” he added.
Sanju Samson suffered a finger injury during India’s T20I series at home against England in February. He was hit on his fingers by a bouncer from England fast bowler Jofra Archer.
