With Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 just a day away, Rajasthan Royals (RR) will have a temporary change in leadership as regular captain Sanju Samson steps aside for the first three matches.
While Samson will remain with the squad and could feature as an impact player if needed, Riyan Parag has been handed the captaincy – an important milestone in his career.
All eyes on Riyan Parag as he chases Historic Record
Parag will lead Rajasthan Royals for the first time when they take on Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 23. At 23 years and 133 days old, he will become the fourth-youngest captain in IPL history, surpassing Shreyas Iyer, who led Delhi Capitals at 23 years and 142 days.
The record for the youngest IPL captain belongs to Virat Kohli, who led Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2011 at 22 years and 187 days, though he officially took over as full-time captain in 2013.
With this, Parag joins an elite list of youngest IPL captains:
Virat Kohli (2011, RCB) – 22 years, 187 days
Steve Smith (2012, Pune Warriors) – 22 years, 344 days
Suresh Raina (2010, CSK) – 23 years, 112 days
Shreyas Iyer (2018, Delhi Capitals) – 23 years, 142 days
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Sanju Samson, who underwent finger surgery last month, is still recovering from the injury.
He joined the Rajasthan Royals squad on Monday after completing his rehabilitation in Bengaluru. While he may not take up full-time wicketkeeping duties right away, Samson is expected to feature as an Impact Player in the IPL.
Dhruv Jurel is likely to step in as the wicketkeeper, just as he did during the fifth T20I against England in February when Samson was sidelined after being struck on the finger by a Jofra Archer delivery.
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