Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson is currently in a state of anticipation as he awaits crucial fitness clearance from the National Cricket Academy (NCA) ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.
Samson suffered a significant setback when he fractured his right index finger during the home T20I series against England last month.
This injury required immediate surgical intervention, and he has been undergoing a rigorous rehabilitation process since then.
Injury and Recovery Process
Samson’s injury occurred during a T20I match against England, where he was forced to leave the field due to severe pain in his right index finger.
Following the injury, he underwent surgery to stabilize the fracture and initiate the healing process.
The recovery has been steady, with Samson diligently following the rehabilitation plan laid out by the medical team at the NCA.
Recently, Samson passed a fitness test for batting, which is a positive sign indicating that he is close to returning to full fitness.
However, the NCA is yet to clear him for wicketkeeping duties, a critical aspect of his role as captain of Rajasthan Royals. ]
Impact on Rajasthan Royals
The uncertainty surrounding Samson’s availability for wicketkeeping duties has prompted Rajasthan Royals to prepare backup options.
Dhruv Jurel, who has recently filled in as a wicketkeeper for India in some matches, is likely to take over wicketkeeping responsibilities if Samson is not cleared in time.
This ensures that the team remains well-equipped to handle the early stages of the IPL 2025 season.
Rajasthan Royals have been working on strategies to adapt to Samson’s potential absence from wicketkeeping duties.
The team’s coaching staff has been focusing on building a strong batting lineup and ensuring that the bowling attack is well-prepared to compensate for any changes in the wicketkeeping department.
Upcoming Matches
Rajasthan Royals will begin their IPL 2025 campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 23.
While there is optimism that Samson might receive clearance for wicketkeeping soon, the team is preparing for all scenarios to ensure a strong start to the season.
The Royals have been conducting extensive practice sessions, focusing on both batting and bowling, to ensure they are ready for the challenges ahead.
