Sanju Samson has been ruled out of opening three games of IPL 2025 for Rajasthan Royals and is likely to only take part as an ‘Impact Player’.

Former champions Rajasthan Royals have suffered a big blow with regular captain Sanju Samson unable to lead the side – at least in the first three games of the IPL 2025 season. Samson is recovering from the finger fracture he suffered last month in the fifth T20 match against England.

Samson will be replaced by young Team India and Assam all-rounder Riyan Parag as captain of the Royals for the first three games of the season. Samson has been advised by the BCCI to refrain from wicketkeeping due to a recent finger surgery. As a result, Samson will be available only as a batter for these games and possibly as a ‘Impact Player’.

Samson sustained a finger fracture after being struck by a Jofra Archer delivery during a T20 international against England in Mumbai. He subsequently underwent minor surgery last month.

Although he has been medically cleared to bat, experts at BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru have recommended additional rest before he resumes wicketkeeping duties. This makes 23-year-old Parag one of the youngest captains in IPL history. Virat Kohli remains the youngest ever, having led the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the age of 22.

Confirming the decision, Rajasthan Royalsstated: “Riyan Parag will lead the team for the first three matches of IPL 2025.”

Riyan Parag will take charge in:

• The opening match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 23
• A  home fixture against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders on March 26
• Another home game against  five-time champions Chennai Super Kings on March 30

While Samson remains a key figure in the squad, he will return as captain once fully fit and may also be utilized as an ‘impact player’ in these three matches.

WHY Riyan Parag Over Yashasvi Jaiswal?

The Rajasthan Royals’ management explained their decision to appoint Parag over the more internationally experienced Yashasvi Jaiswal.  “Riyan’s captaincy reflects the franchise’s confidence in his leadership abilities, which he has showcased as Assam’s domestic captain. Having been a vital part of the Royals setup over the years, his deep understanding of the team dynamics makes him well-equipped to lead in the initial phase of the tournament,” the statement read.

With Parag at the helm, Rajasthan Royals will aim for a strong start to their IPL 2025 campaign while awaiting Samson’s full recovery.