New Delhi, March 23 -- Sanju Samson will not be leading Rajasthan Royals and be playing as a pure batter in their first three matches in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Champions in 2008, Rajasthan Royals will start their campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad in an away encounter on Sunday at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.

Instead, young Riyan Parag has been handed over the leadership duties for the first three games and use Sanju Samson as an Impact Player. Dhruv Jurel is expected don the big gloves behind the wickets for Rajasthan Royals.

Sanju Samson's injury occurred during India's T20I series against England last month at home. He was struck by a bouncer from Jofra Archer in Mumbai during the fifth T20I. Following the...