02 Apr, 2025 | 06:16 PM
Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain Sanju Samson has been cleared to return as wicketkeeper after recovering from finger surgery, marking his return to full leadership duties in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. Samson, who had played the first three matches as a specialist batter, will now resume his role as both captain and wicketkeeper, replacing Riyan Parag who had led the side in his absence.
The clearance came from the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, with RR announcing that Samson would take back the captaincy for the team’s next match against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Mullanpur on April 5.
"With this positive development, Samson will return to his full leadership role and resume captaincy from the team's next match against the Punjab Kings," said an RR statement. "The franchise is encouraged by Samson's progress and looks forward to having him back in action behind the stumps and leading the side."
In Samson’s absence, Parag led RR, but the team had a mixed start—losing their first two matches against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) before securing a victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Guwahati on March 30.
Samson’s return is expected to bring more flexibility to RR’s Impact Player strategy. In the match against CSK, after Samson was dismissed for 20, RR utilized Kumar Kartikeya as an Impact Player in the first innings. Kartikeya bowled just one over but played a crucial role in RR’s successful defense of 182 runs.
Samson has been in decent form, scoring 99 runs in three innings at a strike rate of just under 155 in IPL 2025. Despite his contributions, RR currently sits second from the bottom of the points table with two points from their three matches.
With Samson back as both captain and wicketkeeper, RR fans will be hoping for a strong turnaround as the team looks to climb the IPL standings in the upcoming matches.
