IPL 2025: Why Sanju Samson is not playing for Rajasthan Royals against Mumbai Indians

NEW DELHI: Rajasthan Royals are without their regular skipper Sanju Samson once again as they face Mumbai Indians at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Thursday.
Samson, who has been out with a side strain, is still not match-fit, and head coach Rahul Dravid confirmed the team is monitoring his condition closely.
Speaking ahead of the game, Dravid explained, “Sanju is recovering well, but side strains can be tricky. We don’t want to rush him back and risk long-term damage. We’re taking it one day at a time and will decide based on how he responds.”
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Samson has already missed three consecutive matches, including the ones against Lucknow Super Giants, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Gujarat Titans.
In his absence, Riyan Parag is leading the side and even won the toss today, choosing to bowl first.

Parag said the team hopes to make use of possible dew later in the game.
“We’ve kept things simple. Rahul sir's message has been to take one game at a time and play with freedom,” he said.
Parag also confirmed a few forced changes: Wanindu Hasaranga is out with a niggle and Sandeep Sharma is nursing a broken finger. Kumar Kartikeya and Akash Madhwal come into the XI.

Sanju Samson’s absence is clearly being felt, especially with RR entering a crucial phase of the tournament. His leadership, calm presence, and middle-order batting are key to the Royals’ balance. However, the franchise is choosing caution over haste, keeping his long-term fitness in mind.
With youngsters like Vaibhav Suryavanshi stepping up and experienced players like Jofra Archer returning, Rajasthan Royals are hoping to maintain momentum even without their regular skipper.
As fans wait eagerly for Samson’s return, the Royals march forward under Parag’s leadership, hoping to keep their playoff dreams alive.

Rajasthan Royals: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Nitish Rana, Riyan Parag(c), Dhruv Jurel(w), Shimron Hetmyer, Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Kumar Kartikeya, Akash Madhwal, Fazalhaq Farooqi
Shubham Dubey, Tushar Deshpande, Kunal Singh Rathore, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Kwena Maphaka
Mumbai Indians: Ryan Rickelton(w), Rohit Sharma, Will Jacks, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya(c), Naman Dhir, Corbin Bosch, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah
Raj Bawa, Satyanarayana Raju, Robin Minz, Reece Topley, Karn Sharma