Aca stadium

Kolkata Knight Riders: Rajasthan Royals have announced that Riyan Parag will lead the team for the first three matches of IPL 2025 as the regular skipper Sanju Samson will take up his leadership duties once he's fully fit.

The young all-rounder Parag will take charge in the opening fixture against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 23, followed by home encounters against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders on March 26 and five-time champions Chennai Super Kings on March 30.

The franchise said Samson is yet to get the clearance for wicketkeeping and fielding duties. Samson, though, won't miss any matches, as the franchise said he will play as a specialist batter.