IPL 2025: Rajasthan Royals’ trouble continues as Sanju Samson ruled out of next match

Royals skipper out of action as Rajasthan slip to eighth in IPL table

Last updated:
A.K.S. Satish, Sports Editor
2 MIN READ
Rajasthan Royals' skipper Sanju Samson in pain after retiring out against Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League Season 18.
Rajasthan Royals' skipper Sanju Samson in pain after retiring out against Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League Season 18.
AFP

Dubai: Rajasthan Royals are reeling from a four-match losing streak in Indian Premier League Season 18. After suffering a narrow two-run defeat to Lucknow Super Giants, the inaugural champions sit eighth on the table—above the bottom two only on net run-rate, with all three sides level on points.

Missing Samson, missing calm

The Royals appeared to be cruising towards victory before stumbling late in the chase, and one of the key reasons was the absence of Sanju Samson’s experience at the crease. The Rajasthan captain, who is nursing a side strain, will miss the next match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru and has not travelled to the Garden City.

“The team management is monitoring his progress closely and will take a game-by-game approach regarding his return to action,” said the franchise in a statement on Monday.

Samson’s absence means Riyan Parag, who has captained Rajasthan in four games so far, will lead the side against the Rajat Patidar-led Royal Challengers at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Thursday.

A teenager’s bright debut

Samson picked up the injury during the Delhi Capitals tie, retiring hurt after scoring 31 off 19 balls. He remains Rajasthan’s second-highest run-scorer this season, with 224 runs in seven innings at an average of 37.33.

In his absence, 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi made a sizzling debut, striking 34 in stroke-filled fashion—including a six off the very first ball he faced. The left-hander has added much-needed spark to Rajasthan’s top order.

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