Will Sanju Samson be fit in time for IPL 2025 after finger surgery?

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Sanju Samson's participation in IPL 2025 has been a subject of speculation after the wicketkeeper-batter recently underwent surgery on his right index finger.

The Rajasthan Royals skipper sustained the injury during the fifth ODI against England earlier this month when a Jofra Archer delivery struck his finger, forcing him to leave the field.

The injury not only ruled him out of the second innings but also Kerala's crucial Ranji Trophy quarterfinal clash against Jammu and Kashmir. However, reports suggest that Samson is on track to recover in time for the tournament.

According to ESPNcricinfo, the 29-year-old batter is expected to take around a month to recover post-surgery. "It is understood that Samson will take around a month to recover after his surgery took place on Tuesday. That gives him enough time for be ready for the IPL, which will start in the March 21-23 weekend," ESPNcricinfo reported. If the recovery timeline stays on course, Samson should be fit well before Rajasthan Royals kick off their campaign.

Samson had a disappointing outing in the ODI series against England, managing only 51 runs in five matches. His struggles led to criticism from former Indian cricketers, including Ravichandran Ashwin and Kris Srikkanth.

Ashwin expressed concern over the psychological impact of his dismissals, stating, "...if Sanju keeps getting dismissed like this, as a batter, the mind will be playing tricks." He further added, "(It will force you to think) the bowler is bowling a certain way and I am getting dismissed like this, is the bowler bowling well or do I have a shortcoming? Will I be able to adapt? Once so many questions arise, then it becomes difficult."

Kris Srikkanth, on the other hand, questioned Samson's shot selection, pointing out his repeated dismissals in a similar fashion. "Sanju Samson seems to have missed the bus. For the fifth time, getting out in the same manner. He has played a similar shot. I think he is trying to show his ego. He is trying to say, 'No, no, I will play this shot.' Is he going on an ego trip or struggling? I am not sure," Srikkanth told Inside Sport.

Despite the criticism, Samson remains a key figure for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025, a tournament that is set to commence on March 23, as confirmed by BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla. While the BCCI is yet to make an official announcement, all indications suggest that Samson will be ready to lead his franchise in another exciting season of the IPL.