RR Sweating Over Samson's Fitness

RR Sweating Over Samson’s Fitness Amid Push to Rescue Disappointing Season

Overview: RR’s Troubles Mounting

Things have gone from bad to worse for Rajasthan Royals (RR) in IPL 2025. With just two wins from seven games, they find themselves in the bottom half of the table. While opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has found form, the rest of the top order has faltered, the bowling unit has lacked bite, and now they’re dealing with a fresh concern — the fitness of captain Sanju Samson.

Samson had to retire hurt during RR’s previous match against Delhi Capitals after experiencing pain in his side. Rahul Dravid confirmed that the skipper was dealing with an abdominal issue and had undergone scans. His availability for the crucial clash against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will hinge on the medical report.

If Samson is ruled out, Riyan Parag is expected to captain the side. Parag led RR in the season’s first three matches when Samson was recovering from a finger injury, though during that stint, Samson still played as an Impact Player.

Who Replaces Samson?

Without Samson, RR face a tricky dilemma at the top of the order. Shubham Dubey has featured as an Impact Player but is not a natural top-order option. Wicketkeeper-batter Kunal Singh Rathore, just 22, is another possibility. Alternatively, Parag, Nitish Rana, or Dhruv Jurel could be pushed up to open, with Dubey slotting into the middle order.

A wildcard option is 14-year-old opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi. However, handing him a debut in a must-win match may be a risk RR are unwilling to take. With their playoff hopes hanging by a thread, RR can ill afford another defeat.

LSG Welcomes Mayank Yadav Back

LSG, in contrast, are in a stronger position. Despite an injury-hit start to the season that saw them without Akash Deep, Mayank Yadav, and Avesh Khan, they have won four of their seven games. A win in Jaipur would take them to 10 points and strengthen their playoff push.

Mayank Yadav, who missed early games due to back and toe injuries, is set to return. His searing pace made headlines in IPL 2024, where he clocked 156.7 kph and bagged seven wickets in just four games, earning two Player-of-the-Match awards. Fully fit again, his inclusion adds another weapon to LSG’s already potent bowling attack.

LSG’s batting has also been firing. Mitchell Marsh and Nicholas Pooran have combined for 652 runs, the middle order has held firm, and spinners Ravi Bishnoi and Digvesh Rathi have kept opposition batters in check. Despite a recent loss to Chennai Super Kings, LSG are well-placed heading into this encounter.

Key Players to Watch: Mayank Yadav & Yashasvi Jaiswal

All eyes will be on Mayank Yadav as he returns to action. His express pace was a game-changer last season, and LSG will be hoping for more of the same as they enter the business end of the campaign.

For RR, Yashasvi Jaiswal remains their biggest hope. After a sluggish start to the season, Jaiswal has bounced back with three fifties in his last four innings. He has an impressive record in Jaipur, including a century and two fifties in 11 IPL outings. With the team under pressure, his performance will be critical.

Team News & Probable XIs

Despite the defeat to CSK, LSG are unlikely to make major changes. Mayank Yadav is expected to come in for Akash Deep, who hasn’t quite found his rhythm. Marsh and Bishnoi will likely continue alternating as Impact Player.

LSG Probable XI:

Aiden Markram
Mitchell Marsh
Nicholas Pooran
Rishabh Pant (capt, wk)
Ayush Badoni
David Miller
Abdul Samad
Shardul Thakur
Avesh Khan
Mayank Yadav
Digvesh Rathi
Ravi Bishnoi (Impact)

RR might bring in Akash Madhwal or Yudhvir Singh in place of the underwhelming Tushar Deshpande. If Samson is unavailable, Jurel will likely take the gloves. Kumar Kartikeya is expected to play as an Impact sub.

RR Probable XI: