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22.03.2025
## Sanju Samson Returns to Lead Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025 Post Surgery
Rajasthan Royals captain and prominent Indian wicketkeeper-batsman, Sanju Samson, has rejoined the squad on Monday following his recovery from finger surgery conducted last month.
The Rajasthan Royals are set to kick-start their 2025 Indian Premier League campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Uppal Stadium in Hyderabad on March 23. According to ESPNCricinfo, Samson was undergoing rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, and it’s yet to be decided if he will don the wicketkeeping gloves in the opening fixture. Should Samson be deemed not fully fit for wicketkeeping duties, Dhruv Jurel might step in as the designated wicketkeeper.
In a previous match, during the fifth T20I against England in February, Jurel substituted for Samson when a delivery from Jofra Archer injured Samson’s finger. Last season, Samson exhibited remarkable form, amassing 531 runs in 15 innings at a commendable average of 48.27. His striking rate of 153.46, coupled with a top score of 86 and five half-centuries, secured him the position as the fifth-highest run-scorer in the tournament.
Furthermore, all-rounder Riyan Parag is poised to return to the starting lineup for Rajasthan, having recovered from a shoulder injury. Parag, who missed the T20I series against South Africa and England, showcased his recovery by participating in the Ranji Trophy’s second phase, where he notched a half-century and bowled 26 overs against Saurashtra representing Assam. Last season, Parag was a standout performer for Rajasthan, scoring 573 runs at an average of 52.09, with a strike rate of 149.21. His elevation to number three in the batting order proved instrumental, highlighted by his score of 84*.
Following their opener against SRH, RR will host defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings in consecutive home games on March 26 and March 30 in Guwahati, which serves as their secondary home venue for the IPL.
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