IPL 2025: Sanju Samson Sidelined as Royals Face RCB Without Star Captain

Rajasthan Royals’ fans are in for a tough week as their charismatic captain, Sanju Samson, has been ruled out of the much-anticipated IPL 2025 clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The match, set for April 24 at Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, will see the Royals take the field without their star wicketkeeper-batter, who is nursing an abdominal injury.

TogetheRR, now more than ever. 💗 pic.twitter.com/65EMLWStBB

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) April 22, 2025

The injury first surfaced during a game against Delhi Capitals, forcing Samson to sit out the Royals’ previous outing against Lucknow Super Giants. According to a team statement, Samson is currently at the Royals’ home base, working closely with medical staff to regain fitness. “Sanju is undergoing recovery and will remain with select RR medical staff,” the statement read. “His progress is being monitored, and we’ll take a game-by-game approach to his return.”

With no clear timeline for Samson’s comeback, the Royals are leaning on Riyan Parag to lead the side. Parag, who stepped up as captain earlier this season when Samson was recovering from thumb surgery, is no stranger to the role. His leadership will be tested against a formidable RCB side, as the Royals aim to climb from their current eighth spot in the IPL 2025 standings, with just two wins from eight games.

Samson’s absence opened the door for a remarkable moment in the last game, as 14-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi made his IPL debut against Lucknow. While the youngster’s inclusion sparked excitement, the Royals are feeling the weight of their inconsistent campaign. Losing Samson, a key batter and strategist, is a significant blow as they face a critical phase of the tournament.

As Rajasthan Royals prepare to battle RCB, all eyes will be on Parag and the team’s ability to rally without their captain. Fans are holding their breath, hoping for positive news on Samson’s recovery soon.

                                               

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