MUMBAI: In a significant blow to the Rajasthan Royals, captain Sanju Samson will miss their upcoming IPL 2025 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Bengaluru on April 24 due to a side strain injury. This setback comes after Samson had to retire during a previous match against Delhi Capitals, where he scored 31 runs off 19 balls before experiencing discomfort.
Samson's injury has already kept him out of the Royals' last match against Rishabh Pant's Lucknow Super Giants. The team’s head coach, Rahul Dravid, had earlier indicated that the Royals were awaiting the results of scans to determine the severity of Samson's condition and his potential return to the lineup.
In a statement regarding Samson’s fitness, the Rajasthan Royals confirmed, "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 team management is monitoring his progress closely and will take a game-by-game approach regarding his return to action." This statement underscores the team's cautious approach to ensure their captain's full recovery before he returns to the field.
Samson sustained his injury while facing Delhi Capitals, visibly grimacing after attempting a cut shot off the bowling of Vipraj Nigam. Following the incident, the team’s physio examined his left side around the rib area, leading to his decision to retire from the match. Dravid elaborated on the situation, stating, "Sanju experienced a bit of pain in the abdominal area. So we have gone for scans. He has done some scans today, so we are waiting for the results of those scans. And then once we get a bit more clarity around the scans and the severity of the injury, we'll take a decision going forward, and we'll see what happens."
The absence of Samson is particularly concerning for the Rajasthan Royals, who are currently struggling in the IPL standings. With only two wins from eight matches, the team finds itself languishing in eighth position, desperately needing a turnaround to stay competitive in the tournament.
As the Royals prepare for their upcoming clash against RCB, fans and analysts alike are left to ponder the impact of Samson's absence—not only on the batting front but also in terms of leadership. The captain's experience and strategic mindset are invaluable assets, especially during such a challenging season.
With the IPL 2025 season heating up, the Rajasthan Royals will need to rally together and find ways to compensate for the loss of their captain. As they face off against a formidable RCB side, the Royals will be looking to their other players to step up in Samson's absence and secure a crucial victory that could help shift their fortunes in the league.
As the match approaches, all eyes will be on the Royals’ lineup and how they adapt without their captain. Will other players rise to the occasion, or will the pressure of the situation weigh heavily on the team? Fans will be eagerly awaiting the game on April 24 to see how this pivotal moment unfolds for the franchise.
Stay tuned for live updates and analysis as the Rajasthan Royals continue their quest for improvement in IPL 2025. The stakes are high, and every match counts as they aim to climb the leaderboard and secure a playoff spot.
