Sanju Samson has been reinstated as the full-time captain of the Rajasthan Royals (RR) for the 2025 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), ending Riyan Parag’s brief stint as the team’s leader. The decision marks a significant shift for the franchise as they aim to build on their past performances and solidify their leadership ahead of the new season.
Samson, who had led Rajasthan Royals from 2021 to 2024, was temporarily replaced by the young and promising Riyan Parag in an attempt to groom a future leader for the franchise. However, after a season under Parag’s leadership, the team management decided to return to the experienced Samson, believing his strategic acumen and on-field presence would be crucial in their pursuit of an IPL title.
Parag’s captaincy tenure, though short-lived, was seen as an experimental move by the franchise. The 22-year-old, known for his aggressive batting and all-round capabilities, was given the leadership role to inject fresh energy into the squad. However, sources close to the team suggest that the Royals struggled with consistency under Parag’s leadership, prompting the management to reconsider their strategy. Despite Parag’s evident potential, the pressure of captaincy may have impacted his individual performances, which led the franchise to restore Samson as the leader.
Samson, who has been one of RR’s most consistent performers over the years, brings stability and experience to the role. Under his captaincy, Rajasthan Royals reached the IPL 2022 final, their first appearance in the summit clash since their inaugural title-winning campaign in 2008. Although they fell short against the Gujarat Titans in that final, Samson’s leadership was widely praised for his tactical awareness and ability to get the best out of his players.
His return as captain is expected to bring renewed focus to RR’s campaign in IPL 2025. The team has a balanced squad with a mix of young talent and experienced internationals, and Samson’s role will be pivotal in guiding them towards another strong season. His leadership style, which is a blend of calm decision-making and aggressive intent on the field, has earned him respect within the team and among fans.
Reacting to the news of his reinstatement, Samson expressed gratitude to the team management and fans for their continued faith in his leadership. He emphasized the importance of playing as a cohesive unit and learning from past mistakes to achieve success in the upcoming season.
Meanwhile, Riyan Parag has taken the decision in his stride, showing maturity beyond his years. He acknowledged the challenges of leading a side in a high-pressure tournament like the IPL and vowed to focus on his individual game while continuing to contribute as a key player for the Royals.
As the team gears up for IPL 2025, the focus will be on how Samson steers the Rajasthan Royals through another competitive season. With a talented squad at his disposal and lessons learned from previous campaigns, he will be keen to lead RR to another shot at glory in the world’s premier T20 league.
