The inaugural champions of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the Rajasthan Royals, are currently struggling in the ongoing 18th edition of the cash-rich league. RR faced a major blow before the IPL 2025 as their regular captain, Sanju Samson, failed to get fit for the wicketkeeping duties, and he was featured as an impact player for the first three matches of the tournament. In his absence, Riyan Parag led the side where RR managed to register just one win in their third clash against Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
Samson again led the side and RR for their next four matches of the tournament, where the side managed to register one win but Samson again got an abdominal injury during RR's outing against Delhi Capitals (DC) at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on April 16. The wicketkeeper batter has been out of action since then, and he missed the last three outings against LSG, RCB and GT, respectively.
RR destructive batter Shimron Hetmyer reflects on how Samson's absence is making a huge impact on the team's performance in the IPL 2025.
"A player of his (Sanju Samson) calibre not being able to represent us, it's difficult. You can't really plan injuries, that's just part of the game, we just have to try to move forward. For me, it's just to be there till the end really and also not take it to the last over. In T20 cricket, it's really easy to say you could just leave it till the end but I always believe if you can finish it in 15-16 and then go back to the hotel, that's fine with me. It's still a win at the end of the day. (On batting higher) There's not a lot I could possibly say to that but I guess we'll just wait and see how today goes" said Hetmyer as quoted by cricbuzz.
RR are currently featuring against Gujarat Titans (GT) at their home ground, Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, where Riyan Parag won the toss and opted to bowl. This is their must-win clash to stay in the race for the playoffs. Rajasthan Royal are languishing at the second last position in the points table and need to win all their remaining five matches to stay in reckoning for the play-offs.