Feel Different To Miss First Three IPL Matches, But Riyan Parag Capable To Lead RR: Sanju Samson

Sanju Samson on Saturday conceded that missing the first three IPL matches of this season "feels a bit different" but placed his trust on stand-in skipper Riyan Parag to guide Rajasthan Royals well in his absence. Samson is yet to recover completely from a right index finger injury that he suffered during the series against England. "I have never missed a game as a complete player. Coming to the season as not fully fit feels a bit different. But the team looks good. We are also happy to have Rahul Dravid back with us," said Samson here on the eve of the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Samson said Parag is "capable" to lead the team as he has shown enough qualities to earn that honour.

"I am not going to be the captain of Rajasthan Royals forever. There has to be someone who is going to come and someone we'll have to groom after I leave or after changes are made in captaincy.

"The franchisee has developed a lot of leaders. But for the next three games, we decided that Riyan Parag is ready and capable to lead the side," he added.

There will be a lot of attention on the 13-year-old batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi, and Samson said the young player will be safe in the hands of head coach Dravid.

"It does not matter what age he is, but he looks a bit special. That is what our team recognised when he came to our trials. Our scouts were following him in the U-19 matches. The amount of shots he was playing really showed that he is made for the best level.

"To be honest, I feel he is very lucky that a 13-year-old has come to Rajasthan Royals and to the right hands of Rahul Dravid. They are really good at taking care of Indian young talent. There is something great about him. It is a great responsibility not only for him but for us