RR vs LSG IPL 2025: Why is Sanju Samson not Playing Today vs Lucknow? Is he Dropped or Rested?

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​Sanju Samson is not playing in today's IPL 2025 match between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).

He retired hurt after scoring 31 runs off 19 balls, experiencing discomfort following a back-foot cut shot. Subsequent medical scans confirmed the injury, leading to his exclusion from the match to prevent further aggravation. ​

In Samson's absence, Riyan Parag has assumed the captaincy for RR. Parag had previously led the team in the initial matches of the season when Samson was recovering from a thumb injury. ​

Is Sanju Samson dropped because of issue with Rahul Dravid?

Regarding speculations of a rift between Samson and head coach Rahul Dravid, these arose after a video from the previous match showed Samson standing apart during a team discussion ahead of the Super Over. However, Dravid has categorically dismissed these rumors as "baseless," affirming that he and Samson are aligned in their approach and that Samson remains an integral part of the team. ​

Why is Sanju Samson not Playing Today?

Samson endured an abdominal stress during the match against Delhi Capitals last time. The Rajasthan Royals captain had to be retired out while batting, and after the match, he confirmed that he was feeling well. But it is quite evident that Sanju has not recovered from his issue. And that is why he is missing the match today against Lucknow Super Giants, although people have linked it with Rahul Dravid's issue, it looks quite far-fetched at the moment.

Therefore, Samson's absence from the match is solely due to medical reasons, with no substantiated reports indicating any discord between him and the coaching staff.

When will Sanju Samson Return?

It is yet to be known when the RR captain will return in action. Although he missed out captaincy for the first three matches due to an NCA clearance issue, Sanju is now fully out of action due to an injury. With the KKR match on April 24, it is likely that the Rajasthan captain will get fit before the important clash.