RR vs PBKS: Why is Sanju Samson not Opening for Rajasthan Royals Today? Is he Injured?

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Sanju Samson has returned to the Rajasthan Royals lineup today (May 18) against Punjab Kings but he is not opening today.

MyKhel reported that Sanju will be available for this match, and the RR captain has been leading after recovering from an abdominal injury. But as PBKS have scored 219 runs, Sanju has not come to open the batting for the Royals.

Is Sanju Samson Injured Again?

No, Sanju Samson is not injured and he didn't sustain any issue during the field against PBKS.

IPL 2025: Why is Sanju Samson not Opening Today?

Sanju Samson has not opened the batting for Rajasthan Royals because he has chosen to maintain the successful opening partnership between Yashasvi Jaiswal and 14-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi. Despite recovering from an abdominal injury that sidelined him for several matches, Samson has opted to bat at number three, allowing the young Suryavanshi to continue his role at the top of the order.

Suryavanshi has made a significant impact in Samson's absence, notably scoring a 35-ball century against Gujarat Titans, making him the youngest centurion in IPL history. Samson has also replaced Nitish Rana, and that's why the Kerala star has taken up a place in the middle order.

Recognising this achievement, Samson stated, "I think if someone has done something, you have to respect that no matter his age. Definitely would like to respect that and I will come down the order."

Samson missed out on the last few matches due to an abdominal injury he sustained during a match against Delhi Capitals. The India star also missed out first three matches as captain and only played as a batter due to a finger injury.