Sanju Samson’s recent finger fracture is expected to keep him out of action for approximately five to six weeks.
Now, the Rajasthan Royals are faced with the challenge of finding a suitable replacement for their captain in the upcoming IPL 2025 season.
Here are three potential candidates who could step into Samson’s shoes:
1. Prithvi Shaw
Prithvi Shaw is one of the most explosive young talents in Indian cricket, known for his aggressive batting style.
Despite going unsold in the IPL 2025 auction, Shaw’s previous performances have showcased his ability to dominate bowlers, particularly in the powerplay.
His T20 statistics include 2,902 runs in 117 matches, with a strike rate of over 151. Although his average stands at 25.01, he has the potential to change games with his stroke play, having scored one century and 20 fifties.
Shaw’s recent form in domestic circuits has shown promise, and his hunger to prove himself after being overlooked could make him a valuable asset for the Royals.
He can provide explosive starts at the top of the order, making him a strong candidate to replace Samson.
2. Mayank Agarwal
Mayank Agarwal is another seasoned player who could step in as a replacement for Samson.
With 2,661 runs in IPL, including one century and 13 fifties, Agarwal brings a wealth of experience to the table.
Although he had a couple of underwhelming seasons leading up to IPL 2025, his recent performances in domestic tournaments have been impressive—he scored 651 runs in 10 innings at an average of 93 during the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Agarwal’s leadership experience as a former captain and his ability to perform under pressure make him an ideal replacement for Samson.
3. Matthew Short
Australian cricketer Matthew Short has emerged as a strong candidate due to his recent performances in T20 leagues.
With nearly 3,000 runs in T20 cricket and a strike rate of 146.16, Short has demonstrated his ability as a powerful hitter.
His performance in the Big Bash League (BBL), where he scored 236 runs, including a century, highlights his current form.
In addition to his batting prowess, Short offers versatility as an off-spin bowler, adding depth to the squad.
His ability to contribute both with bat and ball makes him an appealing option for Rajasthan Royals if they choose to go for an overseas player.
