From Wicketkeeper to Benchwarmer: Why Sanju’s Off the Pitch Tonight

Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson missed the IPL 2025 game against Lucknow Super Giants due to an abdominal strain he sustained while batting against Delhi Capitals on April 16. He retired hurt after scoring 31 off 19 balls and underwent scans, with no immediate return timeline.

 

Riyan Parag captained RR in Samson's absence, as he had also done earlier in the season when Samson recovered from a finger injury. The team handed a debut to 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi (bought for ₹1.1 crore), who became the youngest-ever player in the IPL.

 

Head coach Rahul Dravid squashed speculation of a rift, stating the call was purely medical. RR, eighth in the table, next face KKR on April 24, with Samson's fitness being closely watched.

 

Source: ESPNcricinfo, Times of India, CricXTasy