Sanju Samson Injury Update | Rajasthan Royals vs LSG IPL 2025 News

Will Sanju Samson Miss Rajasthan Royals vs LSG Clash? Uncertainty Looms Over RR’s Campaign

The Rajasthan Royals (RR) are facing a major curveball in their Indian Premier League 2025 season: Sanju Samson’s injury. As the Royals gear up to face the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in what’s already a crucial matchup, uncertainty around the fitness of their captain and star batsman threatens to throw a wrench into their plans.

Samson walked off retired hurt during RR’s recent clash against the Delhi Capitals after suffering pain on his left side. He managed a brisk 31 off 19 balls before the discomfort potentially a side strain forced him to call it quits mid-innings. The team, already reeling from three consecutive defeats, is now anxiously awaiting the results of Samson’s scans to determine if he will feature in the much-anticipated Rajasthan Royals vs LSG showdown at Sawai Mansingh Stadium.

A Campaign Riddled with Setbacks for Rajasthan Royals

This isn’t the first time RR have had to navigate around Sanju Samson injury issues this season. At the start of IPL 2025, Samson was nursing a thumb injury that kept him from taking on wicketkeeping duties. For those opening fixtures, he was used only as an Impact Player, while Riyan Parag took over captaincy.

Parag’s stint as stand-in skipper didn’t yield positive results. RR stumbled out of the gate, losing their first two games under his leadership to Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders. Samson’s return as captain and full-time keeper in the match against Punjab Kings brought some hope a dominant 50-run win hinted that the Royals were finally back on track.

But that high didn’t last long. The franchise has been sliding since then, with back-to-back defeats pushing them down to eighth on the points table. Now, with the Rajasthan Royals vs LSG fixture around the corner, the team could once again be forced to play without their most reliable performer.

Sanju Samson’s Role and the Bigger Picture

Make no mistake Sanju Samson injury is not just about the absence of a star batter. It's about losing the heart of a team that’s still finding its rhythm in a new-look season post-mega auction. The Royals lost some key veterans like Jos Buttler, R Ashwin, and Yuzvendra Chahal, and are trying to rebuild around a younger core.

Samson, a consistent performer for RR and often their sole anchor in crisis, plays multiple roles: captain, wicketkeeper, and one of the most dynamic middle-order batters in the league. His leadership is vital, especially in a year where the Royals have had to deal with shaky form and changing personnel.

In the previous game against Delhi, RR fans watched the turning point unfold in real-time. Samson looked fluent before the side strain. The pain appeared immediately after an attempted cut shot against debutant Vipraj Nigam. Although he tried to continue, he eventually retired hurt and never came back, missing both the end of the innings and the nerve-wracking Super Over, which RR lost.

What the Royals Are Saying: Dravid’s Perspective

RR head coach Rahul Dravid confirmed in a pre-match briefing that they’re still awaiting the results of Samson’s scans. “Sanju experienced a bit of pain in the abdominal area. So we have gone for scans… once we get more clarity, we’ll decide,” Dravid said. This cautious approach means a last-minute call will likely determine whether Samson leads the side against LSG.

Dravid also addressed broader concerns about the team’s form and changes post-auction. He pointed out that while the team lost some experienced names, the replacements particularly Sri Lankan spinners Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana are world-class and capable of stepping up.

Yet, one area where RR clearly struggles is death bowling. Dravid admitted as much, noting that the team gave away 77 runs in the final five overs in their last match. That trend, if it continues, could be devastating in high-stakes games, especially without their captain on the field.

The Impact of Samson’s Absence on RR vs LSG

The Rajasthan Royals vs LSG game is more than just another league match. It’s a litmus test for a squad that’s already under pressure. With only four points from seven matches, RR needs a win not just for the table but for morale.

Without Sanju Samson, the Royals will need a step-up performance from others. Dhruv Jurel will likely take over the gloves again, while Riyan Parag could reprise his captaincy role. The opening combination Yashasvi Jaiswal and potentially Jos Inglis will also have added responsibility to provide a solid platform early on.

But let’s be clear: replacing Samson’s composure, shot-making ability, and game-reading skills is no small task. If he's ruled out, RR's already slim playoff hopes could take another major hit.

Injuries and Uncertainty Define IPL 2025

The Sanju Samson injury adds to what’s already been one of the more injury-plagued IPL seasons in recent memory. Big names across franchises have missed games, altering team dynamics and making consistency hard to come by. For RR, though, the timing couldn’t be worse. Their slide in form, coupled with leadership doubts, has come just as other mid-table teams are finding momentum.

While the team has shown moments of brilliance like the win over CSK or the individual performances from Trent Boult and Riyan Parag they haven’t strung together a convincing run of form. And without Samson, their biggest weapon, they’ll be hoping luck and resilience can carry them through.

Will the Royals Bounce Back Without Samson?

It’s too early to say if Sanju Samson injury will sideline him long-term. But even a one-game absence could be costly. RR need to stop the bleeding fast and the Rajasthan Royals vs LSG clash provides a chance to reset.

If Samson misses out, RR fans will be hoping the team shows fight. If he plays, they'll hope his presence alone can lift the side. Either way, the next few games will define the Royals’ IPL 2025 campaign.

Whether it’s with or without Samson, this team needs to start winning and fast.