IPL 2025: Sanju Samson set to resume captaincy at Rajasthan

Dubai: Sanju Samson is all set to return as captain of Rajasthan Royals after receiving clearance from the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE).

The 30-year-old has been part of the team just as a batter coming in as an impact substitute with Riyan Parag leading the franchise.

The wicketkeeper-batter was only granted a temporary go-ahead to play in the ongoing IPL following surgery on his right index finger after sustaining an injury during India’s T20I series against England in February.

"Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson has received clearance from the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) to resume wicketkeeping duties following a period of recovery. Samson's clearance comes after a thorough assessment of his fitness by the medical team," the franchise statement read.

Samson's first game as captain this will be against Punjab Kings on Saturday at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Chandigarh.

"The franchise is encouraged by Samson’s progress and looks forward to having him back in action behind the stumps and leading the side. Further updates, if any, will be shared in due course," it added.

Samson’s return also marks their shift to the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, which will serve as Rajasthan Royals’ fortress for the rest of the home matches.

Under Parag’s captaincy, the Royals lost the opening two games against the Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders by 44 runs and eight wickets, respectively, but claimed their first win as captain with a slender six-run victory over Chennai Super Kings.