Rajasthan Royals Hit a Speed Bump: Skipper Sanju Samson Likely to Miss Crucial Clash Against RCB
In a bit of a blow to Rajasthan Royals fans, skipper Sanju Samson is likely to sit out their upcoming IPL 2025 clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the high-energy Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 24th. The buzz is all about the side strain he picked up during that nail-biting game against Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Samson, who has been in sublime touch this season, had to walk off retired hurt after scoring a fiery 31 off just 19 balls. That moment, quite honestly, felt like a punch to the gut for RR supporters watching the game. Rajasthan Royals went on to lose that match in a Super Over thriller—yes, one of those intense edge-of-the-seat finishes!
But here’s the latest twist:
👉 As part of his recovery protocol, Sanju will remain in Jaipur under the watchful eye of the RR medical team.
👉 He won’t be traveling with the squad to Bengaluru, at least for this match.
👉 The management has made it clear they’ll take things slow and assess him on a match-by-match basis. No unnecessary risks—they want him fully fit before returning.
Now, if you're wondering who's going to don the captain’s hat in his absence, the spotlight turns to Riyan Parag. The youngster, who’s already captained the Royals in four matches earlier this season, will take over once again.
Let’s take a moment to appreciate how far Parag has come this season. From being trolled in previous editions to becoming a consistent performer and now leading the side—talk about a redemption arc!
But the Show Must Go On… 🏏
Even with their skipper sidelined, Rajasthan Royals aren’t short of firepower. Young talents have been stepping up, and one name that has the cricketing world buzzing is Vaibhav Suryavanshi.
Wait, what? A 14-year-old opening in the IPL? Yes, you read that right!
During the clash against Lucknow Super Giants at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Vaibhav became the youngest-ever player to feature in an IPL game. Though RR lost that match narrowly by just two runs, Suryavanshi’s composure and clean hitting raised a lot of eyebrows—in a good way. He’s expected to continue opening the innings alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, which honestly is such an exciting left-right combo to watch.
Here’s what’s got fans talking:
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💥 The kid’s fearless against pace and spin alike.
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🧠 Surprisingly mature shot selection for someone that young.
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🔥 Bound to be a long-term asset if groomed well.
Samson’s Season So Far: A Quick Glance
Let’s not forget how crucial Sanju has been to the Royals this season.
With 224 runs in 7 matches at a solid average of 37.33, he’s been the backbone of RR’s batting lineup. Only Yashasvi Jaiswal and Riyan Parag have also crossed the 200-run mark this season so far.
Samson’s IPL 2025 Performance So Far:
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Matches: 7
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Runs: 224
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Average: 37.33
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Strike Rate: Always above 135
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Innings to remember: That blazing 50 vs CSK and his calm finish against Punjab.
Needless to say, his absence will be felt big time—not just as a batter, but as the emotional leader of the team. He's always been one of those calm-headed captains who lead by example.
Parag’s Time to Shine 🌟
Now let’s talk about Riyan Parag—the young Assamese dynamite who’s slowly becoming a fan-favorite.
This year, Parag has looked like a completely different player. Confident, composed, and consistent—three C’s that describe his gameplay so far. With Samson sitting out, this is a golden opportunity for him not only to make a statement with the bat but also to showcase his leadership skills under pressure. And let’s not forget, leading a team at the Chinnaswamy Stadium is no joke—it’s high-pressure, high-volume, and high-stakes cricket.
Why RR fans should be optimistic about Parag as captain:
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✅ Has already captained the side in 4 matches this season.
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✅ Knows the team’s strengths and weaknesses.
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✅ Plays fearlessly and has shown maturity.
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✅ Understands the Indian domestic circuit well.
What This Means for RR vs RCB Game
Facing RCB at their home ground is always a tough ask. The stadium will be packed, the crowd will be roaring, and let’s be honest—RCB themselves are desperate to bounce back after a mixed bag of performances this season.
So, what does RR need to do in Samson’s absence?
Key Focus Areas for RR:
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Opening Firepower: Jaiswal and Suryavanshi must get off to a flier. The powerplay will be crucial.
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Middle-Order Solidity: With Samson gone, players like Hetmyer and Parag will need to shoulder the burden.
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Bowling Execution: Chinnaswamy is a high-scoring ground. Boult, Avesh, and Chahal need to be smart with their lengths.
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Fielding & Fitness: Extra focus on saving runs—every run saved here can swing the match.
The Big Question: When Will Samson Return?
The million-rupee question fans are asking: "When will Sanju be back?"
The answer is not so straightforward. The RR management is wisely not rushing things. Side strains can be tricky—they may look minor at first but could get worse if not given enough rest.
So, for now:
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He’s recovering in Jaipur under medical supervision.
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His return will depend on how his body responds in the next few days.
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A game-by-game call will be taken, which basically means he might be back after the RCB game if all goes well.
Final Thoughts: Royals Need to Rally
Sanju Samson missing a game is big news—he's not just a captain, he’s the heart and soul of Rajasthan Royals. But IPL is a long tournament, and smart franchises plan for such contingencies.
If the Royals want to maintain their spot in the top four, this RCB clash is a key fixture. A win without their captain would speak volumes about the team’s depth, unity, and character.
So gear up, RR fans!
The pink army still has plenty of firepower, and if there's one thing the IPL has taught us, it's that anything can happen.
And who knows? This might just be the game where a new hero is born—maybe it’s Riyan Parag the captain, or the 14-year-old Suryavanshi lighting up the Chinnaswamy.
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