IPL 2025: Sanju Samson joins Rajasthan Royals camp following finger surgery

Rajasthan Royals skipper and Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has joined the franchise’s camp ahead of IPL 2025 after recovering from finger surgery. Samson, who sustained the injury during the T20I series against England in February, had been undergoing rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. While his return is happy news for the team, there is still uncertainty over whether he will take up wicketkeeping duties.

The Kerala batter suffered a finger injury after being hit by a Jofra Archer delivery during the fifth T20I against England. Following surgery, Samson was at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for his rehab. The National Cricket Academy (NCA) is expected to conduct further tests before providing clearance for him to don the gloves.

His availability as a wicketkeeper for the Royals in the early matches of IPL 2025 is yet to be confirmed, with the team potentially considering Dhruv Jurel as a temporary alternative behind the stumps. The Kerala batter was one of the best performers in IPL 2024 for the side, scoring 531 runs in 15 innings at an average of 48.27 and a strike rate of 153.46. He hammered five half-centuries.

Rajasthan Royals@rajasthanroyals

Grateful for you skipper 💗

11:35 PM · Mar 17, 2025

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Also Read: '‘Rahul Dravid picked me in 2013, now I’m captain and he’s coach’ - Sanju Samson reflects on 'surreal' Rajasthan Royals journey

Meanwhile, all-rounder Riyan Parag has also recovered from a shoulder injury and is set to feature in the playing XI for the team. Parag, who had a breakout IPL season in 2024, was the franchise’s leading run-scorer and the third-highest overall in the tournament. He scored 573 runs at an average of 52.09, striking at 149.21. His promotion to the number three batting position proved to be brilliant for the Rajasthan side.

The inaugural champions will begin their IPL 2025 campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Uppal Stadium on Sunday, March 23. Following this, they will play two consecutive home matches in Guwahati against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders on March 26 and Chennai Super Kings on March 30.