Sanju Samson is likely to miss Rajasthan Royals’ next clash against LSG in IPL 2025

Rajasthan Royals skipper duties for the next clash against Lucknow Super Giants remain uncertain, as Sanju Samson is doubtful to play and is waiting for scan results for a side injury. Samson couldn’t lead the side in the first three matches due to a thumb injury, and now finds himself in a similar situation with his participation again in doubt.

Samson, who retired hurt in the last clash against Delhi Capitals, appeared to be in discomfort after attempting a shot off a delivery from Vipraj Nigam. He managed to face the next ball but couldn’t continue due to pain and was declared retired hurt. Riyan Parag then stepped in to take his place as the Royals pushed the game into the first Super over of the IPL, which they eventually lost to the Delhi Capitals.

“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 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,” head coach Rahul Dravid said in the pre-match press conference on Friday.

Samson’s participation is uncertain against LSG

Samson retired hurt on 31 off 19 balls with a suspected side issue during their RR’s match, against Delhi Capitals (DC) on Wednesday. He is currently awaiting scan results to determine the extent of the injury. Samson appeared to be in considerable discomfort after a delivery struck his chest, prompting him to retire hurt during the match.

“It feels alright,” Samson told the broadcasters after the match when he was asked about the injury. “I was just not ready to come back and bat here. We’ll observe it tomorrow and see how it is.”

Following the incident, his participation in RR’s next clash against LSG remains uncertain. If Samson is ruled out for the remainder of the season, it could be a major setback for the team, which is already struggling with consistency and is in need of stability to review its Campaign. 

RR’s upcoming fixture is scheduled for Saturday, April 19, at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. If Sanju is unavailable, then Riyan Parag is expected to take over the duties of skipper for the match, with Samson potentially playing  only as an impact player 

Under Parag, RR lost their first two games, against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), but bounced back to beat Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Guwahati. After winning against Punjab Kings (PBKS), RR lost the next three games and are currently eighth on the points table.