Rajasthan Royals will be without captain Sanju Samson for their upcoming Indian Premier League 2025 clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Thursday, as the star batter continues to recover from an injury sustained in the match against Delhi Capitals last week.
At a pre-match press conference on Wednesday, RR head coach Rahul Dravid confirmed that Samson had not been cleared by the medical team to travel or play. “Sanju couldn’t play the last game (against LSG), and for this game, our medical team did not rule him fit to play. So we took the decision not to risk his travel to Bengaluru,” Dravid said.
The head coach emphasized that Samson’s return timeline remains uncertain. “We will try and get him back as quickly as we possibly can, but we’re looking at it on a day-to-day basis. I have no timeline as to when exactly he will be fit,” he added.
In Samson’s absence, young Riyan Parag will continue to lead the side. Dravid expressed confidence in the 22-year-old’s leadership abilities. “I think he’s getting the pulse of the game really well, for someone who’s so young and just starting out with captaincy,” he said.
Interestingly, Dravid himself is also managing an injury. The legendary former Indian skipper has been seen getting around with the aid of crutches and a wheelchair due to a leg injury sustained before the start of the season. However, he insisted that his reduced mobility has not hampered his role as a coach.
“It (the leg injury) has not been a challenge. As a coach, you don’t have to score runs or take any catches. A coach has to use his brain and mouth, and that seems to be in decent order. So, no excuses or worries on that front,” Dravid said with a laugh.
He also revealed that he expects to recover fully within the next three weeks.
With Samson sidelined, Rajasthan Royals will look to build on their current form under Parag’s captaincy as they take on an RCB side eager to climb the points table. All eyes will be on the Royals’ young leadership and their ability to navigate a key phase of the tournament without their regular skipper.
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