Sanju Samson’s role as Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain and wicketkeeper for IPL 2025 is uncertain. It has to be noted that Sanju suffered a finger fracture during the England T20I series, which raises questions about his ability to keep wickets.
Sanju Samson’s Uncertain Role for IPL 2025
Though the Center of Excellence has cleared him to bat, his approval to keep wickets is still pending.
‘While the Center of Excellence physios have been satisfied with Samson’s ability to bat without any struggle, they would want to take a closer look at his comfort levels while wicketkeeping,’ PTI reported.
Dhruv Jurel Set to Take Over Wicketkeeping if Samson is Unavailable
If Sanju Samson is not cleared for wicketkeeping duties, Dhruv Jurel will take over as the team’s wicketkeeper.
The franchise kept Jurel in the squad for a huge ₹14 crore. He is the only other wicketkeeper-batter in the team besides Samson.
This adds more excitement as the Royals get ready for their IPL 2025 season opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 23 at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad.
Samson’s Impressive IPL Stats and Wicketkeeping Performance
Last season, while keeping wickets, the Royals’ wicketkeeper-batter took six catches and made one stumping in 16 matches.
In total, he has taken 82 catches behind the stumps and stumped 16 batters in 168 IPL matches.
He has also scored 4,419 runs at an average of 30.68 (strike rate: 138.69), with three hundreds and 25 fifties.
Sanju Samson Reflects on Dravid’s Leadership and Mentorship
Meanwhile, Sanju credited Rahul Dravid’s leadership as a key factor in his success. Dravid’s return as the head coach of the Royals in 2025, after his successful time with the Indian team, marked a full-circle moment for Samson. Dravid had led the Royals in 2012-13 and gave Samson a chance during a trial.
The 52-year-old also served as the franchise’s mentor from 2014-15 after stepping down as captain.
It’s quite funny how things work out. In my first season, Rahul sir was the one who spotted me during the trials,” Samson told JioHotstar.
He further added: “He was the captain back then, looking out for young talent. After watching me, he came up to me and said, ‘Okay, can you play for my team?’ From that day to today, it feels surreal.
“Now, I am the captain of the franchise, and Rahul sir has returned after so many years to coach the team. It’s a unique and special feeling. He was always part of the Rajasthan Royals family, and we are all grateful to have him back.
“I have played under him both at Rajasthan Royals and in the Indian team when he was the coach. But now, having him as a coach while I captain the side is something truly special. I am looking forward to learning a lot from him in the coming years, and it’s really exciting.”
Samson also mentioned that he admires how Dravid led by example, both on and off the field, and how he communicated effectively with both senior players and newcomers.
“As a captain, I see how he led from the front – not just through his skills but off the field as well. He never missed an optional practice session when he was the captain.
“I observed how he treated young players in the dressing room, how he communicated with seniors, how he handled team meetings, and how he welcomed new players. All those small but significant things shaped my understanding of leadership, and I try to follow the same approach.”
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