RR vs GT IPL 2025: Why Riyan Parag Is Captaining Rajasthan Today And Not Sanju Samson?

Add as a preferred source on Google

RR vs GT: In a significant blow to Rajasthan Royals ahead of their IPL 2025 clash against Gujarat Titans on Monday (April 28), captain Sanju Samson has been ruled out due to an injury setback.

MyKhel previously broke the news that Samson's abdominal tear issue, which he has been carrying for the past few weeks, has not yet fully healed, making him unavailable for this crucial encounter.

Despite actively participating in Rajasthan Royals' training sessions over the weekend - including practice sessions on both Saturday and Sunday - Samson has not regained full match fitness.

A source close to the development confirmed to MyKhel that while Sanju has been training with the team, the medical staff and management have decided not to risk him prematurely.

The Royals' star batter and skipper had first experienced discomfort during the match against Delhi Capitals on April 16. After scoring 31 runs, Samson was forced to retire hurt due to pain in his rib area. Further assessments later revealed a side strain, which ruled him out of subsequent matches. During Rajasthan's away fixture against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Samson remained in Jaipur to focus on his rehabilitation.

Currently, the Royals are taking a cautious, game-by-game approach with their captain's return. While there is optimism that Samson might recover in time for Rajasthan's final two league matches, nothing has been confirmed yet.

At the toss today, Rajasthan Royals stand-in captain Riyan Parag announced that they would bowl first. In terms of team changes, the Royals have made two: Maheesh Theekshana replaces Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Yudhvir Singh comes in for Tushar Deshpande. Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans have handed a debut to Karim Janat.

Sanju Samson's absence will be a big void for Rajasthan Royals, both in terms of leadership and middle-order stability, as they look to maintain their strong position in the IPL 2025 standings.

Gujarat Titans (Playing XI): Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill(c), Jos Buttler(w), Washington Sundar, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.

Rajasthan Royals (Playing XI): Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Nitish Rana, Riyan Parag(c), Dhruv Jurel(w), Shimron Hetmyer, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Sandeep Sharma, Yudhvir Singh Charak.