Sanju Samson Joins Rajasthan Royals Squad After Finger Surgery for IPL 2025

Sanju Samson Joins Rajasthan Royals After Finger Surgery, Set to Lead in IPL 2025

Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain Sanju Samson has officially joined the team’s squad for IPL 2025, marking his return after undergoing finger surgery last month. Samson, who has been rehabilitating at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, will lead RR in their season opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at Uppal Stadium, Hyderabad on March 23.

Straight from the airport ➡️ to our first practice match ➡️ to making everyone smile like he does! ???????? pic.twitter.com/da89DV0Jgt

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) March 18, 2025

Fitness Concerns: Will Samson Keep Wickets

While Samson is back in the squad, it remains uncertain whether he will don the wicketkeeping gloves immediately. During India’s fifth T20I against England in February, Dhruv Jurel took over the wicketkeeping duties after Samson suffered a finger injury from a Jofra Archer delivery. If Samson isn’t fully fit to keep wickets in the early matches, Jurel is likely to continue as a specialist wicketkeeper while Samson focuses solely on batting.

Samson’s Stellar IPL 2024 Performance

The Rajasthan Royals skipper was in phenomenal form last season, finishing as one of the top run-scorers in IPL 2024. In 16 matches, Samson amassed 531 runs in 15 innings at an impressive average of 48.27, striking at 153.46. His season included five half-centuries, with a highest score of 86.

With RR eyeing their second IPL title, Samson’s form and leadership will be crucial in IPL 2025. His ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed makes him a key player for Rajasthan’s campaign.

Riyan Parag Cleared for IPL 2025

Another boost for Rajasthan Royals is the return of Riyan Parag, who has recovered from a shoulder injury. Parag, who missed the T20I series against South Africa and England, made his comeback during the second phase of the Ranji Trophy, scoring a half-century and bowling 26 overs against Saurashtra for Assam.

Parag was Rajasthan’s highest run-getter in IPL 2024 and finished third overall in the tournament, behind only Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill. His move to the No. 3 batting position paid off, as he accumulated 573 runs at an average of 52.09, striking at 149.21. He registered four half-centuries, with a top score of 84 not out.

His availability strengthens Rajasthan’s batting depth, and his all-round abilities provide valuable balance to the squad.

Rajasthan Royals’ IPL 2025 Fixtures

After their season opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on March 23, Rajasthan Royals will have two back-to-back home matches in Guwahati against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on March 26 and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on March 30. Guwahati serves as RR’s second home base in IPL 2025.

With a strong squad and returning key players, Rajasthan Royals aim to make a deep run in IPL 2025. Fans will be eager to see how Sanju Samson leads the team after his recovery and whether Riyan Parag continues his dominant form from last season.

Conclusion: RR’s Hopes Rest on Samson and Parag

As IPL 2025 kicks off, Rajasthan Royals will rely on their captain Sanju Samson’s experience and leadership, along with Riyan Parag’s explosive batting. With both players returning from injury, RR’s performance in the early matches will set the tone for their title challenge.

If Samson regains full fitness quickly, Rajasthan will have a formidable batting unit, capable of taking on the strongest teams in the tournament. As the countdown to IPL 2025 begins, RR fans are eagerly waiting to see their team back in action.