Sanju Samson set to lead again as Riyan Parag’s stand-in role comes to an end

Sanju Samson has received full clearance from the Centre of Excellence (CoE) of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to resume wicketkeeping duties for the Rajasthan Royals in the ongoing IPL season. Following this approval, Samson will also reclaim the captaincy for the remainder of the season.

As reported by Cricbuzz on March 31, Samson had traveled to Bengaluru to obtain clearance from the BCCI’s Sports Science wing after undergoing an operation on his right index finger. Initially, he was permitted to only bat in the IPL, with the Royals management using him as a batter and Impact Player, while Riyan Parag stepped in as captain for the first three games. During this period, Dhruv Jurel took on the wicketkeeping responsibilities.

Now fully cleared, Samson is set to return behind the stumps and lead the Royals once again. He flew from Guwahati to Bengaluru after the Royals’ third match, against Chennai Super Kings, on March 31, and will join the team in Mullanpur, Chandigarh, ahead of their match against Punjab Kings on April 5.

Currently, Rajasthan Royals have one win from three matches and are in ninth place on the points table, while Royal Challengers Bangalore sit atop with two wins from as many games.