Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain and Indian batter Sanju Samson has successfully undergone surgery to repair a fracture in his right index finger, sustained during the fifth and final T20I against England on February 9, 2025, at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
The injury, a result of a fierce delivery from English pace spearhead Jofra Archer, forced Samson to leave the field and raised concerns about his participation in the upcoming IPL 2025 season.
However, the surgery went smoothly, and early indications suggest he’s on track for a timely recovery, setting the stage for his return to lead the Rajasthan Royals.
The Injury Incident: A Jofra Archer Thunderbolt
The incident occurred during the Indian innings of the fifth T20I. Samson, attempting to take on Archer’s express pace, was struck on the right index finger by a rising delivery.
The impact was immediate and visibly painful, with blood drawing almost instantly. While he initially received treatment on the field from the team physio and bravely continued to bat, the discomfort was evident.
He was eventually dismissed shortly after, paving the way for Dhruv Jurel to take over the wicket-keeping responsibilities for the remainder of the match.
Surgery Details and Recovery Timeline: A Race Against Time
Following the match, scans revealed a fracture in Samson’s right index finger, necessitating surgical intervention to ensure proper healing and prevent any long-term complications.
The surgery, performed on February 11, 2025, was reportedly successful, and Samson is now embarked on a rehabilitation program.
The estimated one-month recovery period puts Samson on track to be fit well in time for the start of IPL 2025, which is expected to begin in late March or early April.
However, his progress will be closely monitored to ensure he makes a complete recovery before returning to competitive cricket.
Rajasthan Royals’ Support
The Rajasthan Royals have rallied around their captain, publicly expressing their support and sending messages of encouragement.
The franchise posted a photo of Samson post-surgery on their official Instagram account, accompanied by the caption: “Get well soon, skipper.”
This gesture highlights the strong bond between Samson and the RR team management and demonstrates their unwavering faith in his leadership.