Sanju Samson’s absence costing RR: Sandeep Sharma after fifth straight defeat
Rajasthan Royals pacer Sandeep Sharma discussed how the absence of their regular skipper Sanju Samson due to injury—along with recurring batting and fielding mishaps—has cost the side dearly in IPL 2025. After RR were handed their fifth straight defeat of the season by Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 24, Sandeep Sharma rued missed catches and the batting unit’s failure to click, adding that the absence of Samson’s experience has only worsened their forgettable season.
RCB handed an 11-run defeat to RR on Thursday in a match that did not feature regular skipper Samson, who is nursing a side tear. The absence of the captain added to the pressure on a team already under the pump this season. Speaking at the post-match press conference, Sandeep explained how the team has been missing Samson’s captaincy and experienced batting, which could have helped settle the side amidst ongoing struggles.
“Obviously, his absence has been felt. He’s a very experienced captain and player, and as a batsman, he’s very smart. So yes, his absence has definitely been felt. He didn’t captain the first three matches, and after that, he got a side injury again. Obviously, all this is costing us. All these things have come together and are pulling the team down,” Sharma said.
Samson has lacked continuity in IPL 2025. The 30-year-old initially featured only as a specialist batter in the first three matches, with Riyan Parag leading in his absence. Although Samson returned as captain for three matches midway through the season, an injury during their super-over defeat to Delhi Capitals saw him retire hurt and subsequently miss the next two games, including the RCB clash.
At the toss in Chinnaswamy, stand-in captain Riyan Parag confirmed Samson is still recovering, with no clear timeline for his return to the playing XI. RR currently sit in 8th place on the IPL 2025 points table, with just three wins in nine matches, and will next face table-toppers Gujarat Titans.
