IPL 2025: Sanju Samson returns as RR captain replacing Riyan Parag

Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025
 

Rajasthan Royals find themselves in the ninth position in the points table only above KKR. Their campaign started on a sour note after registering massive defeats against both SRH and the Knight Riders. As Sanju Samson returns to lead the Royals, he will have his task cut out. 
 

Their next three fixtures will have them travel to Mullanpur and Ahmedabad to face Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans. The Royals will then host Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Sawai Maan Singh Stadium in Jaipur. It will be their first game in the city after playing their first two home games in Guwahati. 
 

After a poor start to their campaign, it is time for the Samson-led side to get some wins under their belt. The form of some key players has been a matter of concern in the past three games. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s inability to provide a decent start in the powerplay has meant that the inexperienced middle-order has had to do some heavy lifting. While the wicketkeeper batter returns as the captain, Samson would have to make sure he returns to some form with the bat as well. 

Sanju Samson in IPL 2025
 

Before receiving the fitness clearance from the NCA, Samson was playing in the IPL purely as a batter. He started the season with a bang, however, his form has tapered off since. Against the Sunrisers in Hyderabad, Sanju played a knock of 66 runs in only 37 balls with RR attempting to chase down 286 runs. It was a valiant attempt from the Royals batting unit led by Samson and Dhruv Jurel. However, they still lost the game by 44 runs.
 

Since his half-century in the opening game, the 30-year-old has scored only 33 runs in 27 balls. His strike rate of 122 along with Jaiswal’s failures have meant that the two opening batters have often led their batting unit down in the powerplay itself. If the Royals have to carry their winning momentum from the previous game it is crucial that Sanju Samson returns to some form with the bat in hand.