Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson is set to miss his team’s crucial IPL 2025 encounter against Royal Challengers Bengaluru due to an abdominal injury. The Royals confirmed the news, noting that Samson will continue his recovery at the team’s home base alongside select members of the medical staff.
The official update from the franchise stated, “Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson is currently undergoing recovery and will remain at the team’s home base with select RR medical staff. As part of his ongoing rehab process, he will not be travelling to Bangalore for the upcoming match against RCB.”
The statement also emphasized a cautious, game-by-game approach to Samson’s return, with the medical team closely monitoring his progress.
Ongoing Injury Concerns
This is the second consecutive game that Samson will miss due to the abdominal issue, which first flared up during his innings against Delhi Capitals. He was subsequently unavailable for the match against Lucknow Super Giants and now misses another key fixture as RR looks to revive a faltering campaign.
Riyan Parag, who has deputized for Samson in the past, will likely take over the captaincy again. Parag had stepped into the role earlier in the season when Samson was recovering from a thumb surgery, a period during which Samson was also advised against wicketkeeping duties.
Young Talent Thrown into the Spotlight
Samson’s absence opened the door for a dream debut for 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who featured in the Royals’ previous clash against Lucknow. While his selection marked a significant moment in the tournament, the overall situation highlights the challenges Rajasthan Royals are facing in fielding a balanced side amid injury concerns.
Season Slipping Away?
Rajasthan Royals’ campaign has been marred by inconsistency and injury setbacks. With only two wins from eight matches, the team finds itself languishing in eighth place on the points table. The pressure is now mounting as they prepare to face a star-studded RCB lineup at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 24.
As the Royals gear up for their next challenge, fans will be hoping that Samson’s recovery progresses swiftly. His leadership and presence at the crease remain vital to RR’s hopes of making a late surge in the tournament. But for now, the team must once again navigate without their skipper and anchor.