Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson has received full clearance from the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s Centre of Excellence to resume wicketkeeping duties. The 30-year-old will return as captain and wicketkeeper for the upcoming matches in the Indian Premier League 2025 season. Samson injured his right index finger during India's T20I series against England and underwent surgery. He was initially cleared only as a specialist batter and played Rajasthan Royals’ first three matches in that role.
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Riyan Parag led the team in Samson’s absence, while Dhruv Jurel handled wicketkeeping duties. The Royals struggled early with two losses before securing their first win against Chennai Super Kings in Guwahati. Samson contributed a half-century against Sunrisers Hyderabad, but his effort came in a losing cause. With full medical clearance, Samson will take over wicketkeeping duties from Jurel. He will also continue to lead the team, marking his fifth consecutive season as Rajasthan Royals captain.
Samson, who debuted in the IPL in 2013, has played 171 matches and surpassed 4,500 career runs. He has captained Rajasthan Royals in 61 matches, with 31 wins and 29 losses. He guided the team to the 2022 final but fell short against Gujarat Titans. Rajasthan Royals will next face Punjab Kings in Mullanpur later this week.
