Sanju Samson likely to miss rest of IPL 2025 season: Report

Rajasthan Royals (RR) are likely to be dealt a huge blow in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. According to a report carried by Sportstar, RR skipper Sanju Samson is likely to be ruled out of the remainder of the season due to injury. Samson suffered the injury in the previous game against Delhi Capitals, which his team went on to lose in the super over. 

The 30-year-old tried to play a forceful shot and was seen clutching his side. RR’s medical ran out to administer treatment as Samson played the next ball in discomfort. This led to RR’s skipper leaving the field injured and being replaced by Riyan Parag, who came out to bat at number three. 

Rahul Dravid, who is the coach of the Royals, spoke to the media ahead of the next game against Lucknow Super Giants on Saturday. The 52-year-old said, “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 for 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.”

Riyan Parag to lead the side if Samson misses out 

The first big test for RR is the home game against Lucknow, which they have to win. With Samson likely to miss the game, Riyan Parag is expected to take over as the captain of the side. The 23-year-old had led the side in the first three games of the season when Samson was playing as a pure batter. Parag’s tenure began with two losses before the win over Chennai Super Kings in front of his home fans in Guwahati. 

30-year-old Samson began the season with a blistering 66 in the opening game against Sunrisers Hyderabad. In the seven games that RR’s skipper has played this campaign, he has scored 224 runs with an average of 37 and one half-century. Royals will also have to ponder about their opening slot with Samson’s likely absence. 

It is to be noted that Samson is just coming back from an injury that he suffered during the T20I series at home to England. The 30-year-old didn’t keep wickets in the first three games and was only allowed after getting cleared by the NCA. Dhruv Jurel is set to take over the wicketkeeping mantle once again if RR’s skipper is indeed ruled out.