Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson will feature solely as a batter in the first three matches of IPL 2025 after suffering a finger injury.
Samson sustained the injury after being hit by a Jofra Archer bouncer during the five-match T20I series against England. As a result, he will not take up wicketkeeping duties in the initial games.
Sanju Samson Steps Down, Riyan Parag To Lead With Gloves
Rajasthan Royals confirmed that Samson could be used as an impact player in the first three matches, with Riyan Parag stepping in as the team’s wicketkeeper.
Samson has already joined the Rajasthan Royals squad and took part in his first practice session on Monday. The franchise confirmed his arrival with a post on X, stating, “Straight from the airport to our first practice match to making everyone smile like he does!”
Rajasthan Royals will kick off their IPL 2025 campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 23, followed by matches against Kolkata Knight Riders on March 26 and Chennai Super Kings on March 30.
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Ahead of the IPL 2025 auction, Rajasthan Royals retained key players, including Sanju Samson (₹18 crore), Yashasvi Jaiswal (₹18 crore), Riyan Parag (₹14 crore), Dhruv Jurel (₹14 crore), Shimron Hetmyer (₹11 crore), and Sandeep Sharma (₹4 crore). Strengthening their bowling department, the franchise acquired Jofra Archer and Sri Lanka’s spin twins Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana during the auction.
Rajasthan Royals have shown consistency in recent IPL seasons but are still chasing their second title. Their maiden triumph came in 2008 under the captaincy of Shane Warne. The team is now eager to end its title drought in IPL 2025.
