Sanju Samson, the captain of Rajasthan Royals, expressed mixed feelings on March 22, 2025, as he prepares to miss the first three matches of the Indian Premier League (IPL) season due to a right index finger injury sustained during the series against England. "It feels a bit different to miss the first three IPL matches but I trust Riyan Parag to lead the team," he stated while attending pre-match discussions ahead of their upcoming game against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
In a candid conversation, Samson acknowledged that he has never been in a position where he has entered a season not fully fit. However, he exuded confidence that Parag, stepping in as captain, is more than capable of guiding the team in his absence. "Riyan Parag is capable to lead the Rajasthan Royals for the next three games," he asserted.
The Royals welcome back renowned coach Rahul Dravid, which adds a promising layer of leadership and guidance to the future of this young team. Dravid's presence is particularly vital as the squad has undergone significant changes; several key players, including Jos Buttler and Yuzvendra Chahal, departed after last year's auction.
Moreover, attention is drawn to the 13-year-old batter, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who commands respect despite his age. Samson praised him saying, "He looks a bit special. That's what our team recognized during trials. Our scouts have been following him in the Under-19 matches, and the way he plays, it's clear he's made for the highest levels of cricket. To be honest, he's very lucky that a 13-year-old has come to Rajasthan Royals and to the right hands of Rahul Dravid." This showcases the Royals' commitment to nurturing new talent.
With the IPL season upon them, Samson emphasized that the upcoming challenges also involve adapting to a modified bowling attack. Notably, the Rajasthan team has added several new faces, including pacers Jofra Archer and Maheesh Theekshana, while integrating youthful Indian talent such as Akash Madhwal and Tushar Deshpande into the mix.
While expressing optimism for the younger players, Samson commented, "To be honest, that’s the challenge IPL has thrown at me. For the last 3 seasons, I was surrounded by the best cricketers. Now I’m surrounded by younger players. They have a lot of fire in them; they want to prove what they’re made of." This belief hints at a new identity being forged within the team.
California's new regulations, which allow the use of saliva and a change of ball after the 10th over, could play a crucial role in balancing out the challenges presented by the prevailing dew conditions. "In the powerplay, bowlers have been targeted like anything, that's where the challenge is," admitted Samson.
As the Royals gear up to meet the Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 23 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, there are high expectations on both sides. Last season, Sunrisers reached the finals but suffered defeat against Kolkata Knight Riders while the Royals were eliminated by the same team in the qualifier match. The restructured rosters and tactics make this matchup particularly compelling.
For Sunrisers, which boasts a formidable lineup, having retained key players and brought in new talents such as Adam Zampa and Mohammed Shami, they are viewed as one of the biggest contenders in IPL 2025. Their Admiral Pat Cummins will resume captaincy as they aim to build upon their impressive performances last season.
Fans can expect a riveting encounter as the two teams assemble once again, with a keen focus on the abilities of both new and seasoned players. As for Samson and his team, this season serves as both an opportunity to unearth talent and a test of leadership amidst a sea of fresh faces.
Rajasthan Royals have placed a significant emphasis on the development of youth like Suryavanshi. Samson noted the responsibility that not only falls on the young player but also upon the team to ease his transition into the high-pressure environment of IPL cricket.
In summary, while the absence of seasoned players presents its own challenges, the horizon looks promising for the Rajasthan Royals, who are on a mission to redefine their identity this IPL season. With emerging youth and a steady hand in leadership, they aim to make a mark in this year's competition.
