Sanju Samson Retires Hurt; 3 Potential Replacements For RR If He Misses IPL 2025

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

Sanju Samson and Vaibhav Suryavanshi [Source: @SportsCulture24/x.com, AP Photos]Sanju Samson and Vaibhav Suryavanshi [Source: @SportsCulture24/x.com, AP Photos]

Sanju Samson in an integral part of the Rajasthan Royals team with both his leadership and contributions with the bat. His presence boosts the team during batting and fielding. The management depend heavily on their skipper for the team to function during the games.

However, in a latest development, RR have suffered a huge blow with Samson walking off the field with a side straing in the ongoing game against DC. The skipper started the chase for the Royals with Yashasvi Jaiswal and laid a perfect foundation for the team to progress and win the game. As the duo started looking ominous, Sanju Samson felt an issue in his ribs and could not continue to bat further.

With Sanju Samson walking off the field, there is a chance that he might get ruled out of the tournament. If the RR skipper is ruled out of the tournament, then who could be the players replacing him in the playing XI. 

1. Nitish Rana

Well, Nitish Rana is already a part of the playing XI. However, in Sanju Samson's absence there will be vacant place at the opening spot. Nitish Rana can open the innings in absence of the designated skipper. 

The southpaw enjoys batting in the powerplay and take advantage of the fielding restrictions. So, with Samson gone, Rana could come in and be a good compliment as a partner for Yashasvi Jaiswal, who looks to build his knock steadily at the start of the innings. 

2. Vaibhav Suryavanshi

The 14-year-old batter has impressed everyone with his temperament and technique in the recently concluded U19 World Cup. Vaibhav Suryavanshi is known to open the innings for his team. Therefore, with Samson gone, the southpaw can be a direct replacement for the keeper batter. Suryavanshi can be given the freedom to play with flamboyance at the top, while Jaiswal holds one end. In the case too, it would be a very well complimented partnership for the Royals to get their innings started.

3. Kunal Singh Rathore

The left-handed middle-order batter can come into the playing XI and take a spot in RR's line-up. If Kunal Singh Rathore comes into the side then the move of Nitish Rana to the opening spot will be even more justified. While Nitish Rana can give the Royals a solid start at the top of the order, Kunal Singh Rathore will add depth and flexibility to the batting line-up.