Nandre Burger Replaces Sandeep Sharma in IPL 2025

Nandre Burger Returns to Rajasthan Royals: A Timely Boost Ahead of IPL 2025 Crunch

Injuries are often the cruel subplot of every IPL season—and for Rajasthan Royals, the 2025 campaign has been no exception. Just as the league enters its business end, RR suffered a blow with pace bowler Sandeep Sharma ruled out due to a finger injury sustained in a recent clash against the Gujarat Titans.

But where one story halts, another begins.

On May 8, the Royals officially confirmed Nandre Burger—the left-arm pace talent from South Africa—as Sandeep’s replacement for the remainder of the tournament. The 28-year-old quick rejoins the Jaipur-based franchise after his stint in the 2024 season, where he delivered a handful of promising performances.

Let’s break down what this means for RR’s playoff hopes, and why Burger could be exactly what they need at this stage.

A Familiar Face Returns

Burger isn’t new to the Royals dressing room. In IPL 2024, he featured in six matches and picked up seven wickets, impressing with his sharp pace and bounce on Indian tracks. While his stats didn’t light up the leaderboard, he showed signs of being a reliable wicket-taker in the powerplay and at the death—two areas RR has lacked consistency in this year.

He was also part of South Africa's white-ball squads in the 2024–25 season, building his T20 reputation with spells that combined aggression and control. Crucially, RR fans will remember him for his spirited spells during a couple of high-pressure matches last season.

Now, signed for INR 3.5 crore, Burger has a new opportunity—and more responsibility—to help RR punch above their weight as the pressure builds.

Filling the Sandeep-Sized Gap

Replacing Sandeep Sharma isn’t a walk in the park. The veteran Indian pacer played 10 matches this season, grabbing 9 wickets with his trademark accuracy and variations. He’s been especially effective in the middle overs, offering stability that allowed the Royals to rotate their more aggressive bowlers.

Losing that control and experience hurts. But RR’s call to bring in Burger makes sense—not just because of familiarity, but also the variety he brings. A left-armer who can swing the ball up front and hit the deck hard in the later stages offers a skillset Sandeep didn’t provide.

In a league where teams are always trying to outmatch each other tactically, that difference in angle and pace might just offer the Royals an edge.

What It Means for RR’s Campaign

As of this writing, Rajasthan Royals are locked in a mid-table scrap, with upcoming fixtures against Chennai Super Kings (May 12) and Punjab Kings (May 16) looming large. Both matches could decide whether they make it to the playoffs or miss out.

Burger’s addition might feel like a patch-up job on paper—but if deployed well, he could bring the spark needed to turn things around.

Head coach Kumar Sangakkara has already spoken this season about the need for bowlers who can "create breakthroughs under pressure." Burger fits that brief. With the backing of the team’s core leadership group and a familiar environment to return to, expectations are high for the South African.

The Big Picture

Rajasthan Royals have built their recent identity on blending experienced campaigners with fresh overseas talent. While Jos Buttler, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Sanju Samson continue to be the team’s anchors, new faces like Avesh Khan and now Nandre Burger represent the Royals' long-standing strategy—back potential, even when the chips are down.

For Burger, this isn’t just a short-term gig. It’s a shot at redemption and recognition. A strong run here could easily translate into longer IPL stints or even open doors back home in the South African national setup.

But for now, his mission is singular: help Rajasthan Royals win.