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"We Missed Sanju": RR Coach Admits Feeling Skipper's Absence After LSG Defeat

Soumyajit Dutta

Sanju Samson [Source: @Bhakti_path_/X]Sanju Samson [Source: @Bhakti_path_/X]

Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson missed the clash against Lucknow Super Giants due to an abdominal injury, with vice-captain Riyan Parag assuming leadership duties. 

Samson, who had previously played as a batting impact player in the team’s first three IPL 2025 matches owing to a finger injury, sustained the fresh setback during the April 16 game against Delhi Capitals.

RR Bowling Coach Confesses Samson's Absence

The Royals’ coaching staff acknowledged Sanju Samson’s absence disrupted the top order, emphasising that his fitness will undergo further evaluation before a decision on his return is communicated to the squad.

Bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule admitted Samson’s absence was felt but highlighted emerging talent Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s potential. 

“We missed Sanju. I think they will assess his situation and will let us know. I just feel he’s (Vaibhav Suryavanshi) a great kid with a really good head on his shoulders. I think he’s got a game which is almost 360 degrees,” Bahutule said at the post-match press conference.

In another statement, despite Sandeep Sharma conceding 27 runs in the final over of the match, Bahutule defended the seasoned pacer.

“Sandeep is a fabulous bowler. He’s bowled tough overs before. We forget his tight spells and focus on one bad over. We forget those important overs, and we keep emphasising on overs which he has not bowled well. But I think for us, he is a 100% giver and the team backs him.”

Playoff Hopes in Balance Ahead of RCB Clash

For the unaware, the Royals, once comfortably placed at 156/2 in the 17th over against LSG, collapsed spectacularly, losing momentum in the death overs. With their next match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, another defeat could jeopardise their playoff aspirations. 

Samson’s potential return remains critical as Rajasthan seeks stability in their faltering campaign and also awaits the green signal on the skipper's injury as Parag is at the helm.