IPL 2025: Samson Set to Reclaim Captaincy After BCCI CoE Approval
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Rajasthan Royals' captain Sanju Samson has regained clearance from the BCCI Centre of Excellence to resume his full-time captaincy and wicketkeeping duties after a recovery period. His first match back will be against Punjab Kings at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium.
Key Takeaways
- Sanju Samson resumes captaincy and wicketkeeping.
- Received clearance from the BCCI CoE.
- First match back against Punjab Kings.
- Previously assisted by Riyan Parag.
- Royals transition to Sawai Mansingh Stadium.
New Delhi, April 2 (NationPress) Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson has been given the green light by the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) and will take back his full-time leadership position along with his wicketkeeping responsibilities after a recovery period.
Until now, Samson has been participating in the tournament exclusively as a batsman, stepping in as an impact substitute while Riyan Parag led the team. The wicketkeeper-batter was only allowed a provisional return to action in the ongoing IPL following surgery on his right index finger, which was injured during India’s T20I series against England in February.
His clearance follows a comprehensive evaluation of his fitness by the medical team.
"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 match back as captain will be against the Punjab Kings on Saturday at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Chandigarh.
In the initial three matches of the tournament, local favorite Riyan Parag captained the team in Samson's absence. Samson, on the other hand, managed to score a total of 99 runs across the three games.
"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.
The Royals’ first two home matches of the season took place at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati against the Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings on March 26 and March 30, respectively.
Samson’s return also signifies their transition to the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, which will act as the fortress for the rest of their home games.
Under Parag’s leadership, the Royals lost their initial two matches against the Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders by 44 runs and eight wickets, respectively, but secured their first victory as captain with a narrow six-run win over the Chennai Super Kings.
