Why does Sanju Samson play in today’s RR and LSG IPL match?

Sanju Samson, the captain of Rajasthan Royals, has been ruled out of today’s IPL 2025 match between RR and LSG due to an abdominal strain. The injury occurred during RR’s previous game against Delhi Capitals, where Samson had to retire hurt after scoring 31 runs off 19 balls. The strain appeared to worsen after he attempted a back-foot cut shot, forcing him to leave the field mid-innings. Despite initial optimism about his recovery, medical scans revealed that he needed rest to avoid aggravating the injury.

Sanju Samson not playing today’s IPL match

This is a significant blow for Rajasthan Royals, as Samson has been a key player both as a leader and a batter. He has been one of the team’s top performers this season, amassing 224 runs in seven matches at an average of 37.33. His absence leaves a void in the middle order and puts additional pressure on the team’s batting lineup, which has struggled for consistency.

Riyan Parag to lead in RR vs LSG IPL match

In Samson’s absence, Riyan Parag will take over the captaincy duties. Parag has previously led the team in the early stages of the season when Samson was recovering from a finger injury. Additionally, Dhruv Jurel is expected to step in as the wicketkeeper for today’s match. The team management is hopeful that Parag’s leadership and the squad’s depth will help them navigate this challenging phase.

The Royals are currently placed eighth on the points table, making this match crucial for their playoff aspirations. Samson’s injury comes at a critical juncture, and his return will depend on further medical evaluations. For now, RR will need to rely on their other players to step up and deliver in this high-stakes encounter.