IPL 2025: Sanju Samson to return as RR captain from PBKS match

The Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BBCI) Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru has approved Sanju Samson, the opener for the Rajasthan Royals (RR), to return to his full responsibilities as captain and wicketkeeper. The CoE’s medical team has cleared the top-order hitter to maintain wickets and field after he was previously limited to just batting because of a finger issue.

The right-hander’s clearance for the first three IPL 2025 games was initially only partial. He was permitted to bat but not keep wickets because of surgery on his right index finger.

The RR therefore chose to use him as an Impact Player, with Dhruv Jurel taking over as wicketkeeper and Riyan Parag serving as a stand-in captain.

Since Riyan Parag commanded the first three winning games—winning the final one against CSK but losing the first two—the Centre of Excellence clearance now permits the star cricket player to resume his leadership responsibilities as well.

The Indian batsman scored a half-century against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) during these matches, but his other two performances fell short of expectations. In the forthcoming games, fans are now anxiously awaiting his return to full form. The Royals, on the other hand, had a mixed start to their IPL 2025 campaign, dropping their opening two games before winning a vital match on Sunday night in Guwahati against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

The Royals should benefit greatly from the right-hand batter’s return as the regular captain and wicketkeeper now that he is fully recovered. The cricketer, who was born in Kerala, will take back his captaincy when RR plays the Punjab Kings at Mullanpur on April 5. The Royals will be able to employ their Impact Player plan more successfully because of the wicketkeeper-batter combination behind the stumps, which will also provide balance to the team.

The captain’s return to full fitness coincides with RR’s efforts to gain momentum in the tournament. Fans will be expecting that he can lead the Royals to a successful IPL 2025 comeback with his batting skills.