Rajasthan Royals' captain Sanju Samson is uncertain for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 match against the Lucknow Super Giants. The right-handed batsman retired after scoring 31 runs off 19 balls in the match against the Delhi Capitals due to a side injury. Prior to the game against Rishabh Pant's team, Royals' head coach Rahul Dravid indicated that they are awaiting the results of scans to determine Samson's availability.

During the match against the Delhi Capitals, Samson appeared to be in significant discomfort after attempting a cut shot off Vipraj Nigam's delivery. The team's physiotherapist examined the area around his left rib, and shortly thereafter, Samson withdrew from the game and did not return to bat.

Should Sanju Samson receive medical clearance to participate against LSG, he may only be utilized as an impact substitute for safety reasons. In such a scenario, Riyan Parag could once again take on the leadership role for the franchise. Earlier this season, Parag captained the Rajasthan Royals in the first three matches when Samson was unable to obtain wicketkeeping clearance from the National Cricket Academy.

"Sanju felt some pain in his abdominal region," head coach Rahul Dravid stated on Friday. "We have conducted scans today, and we are currently waiting for the results," Dravid informed the media.

"Once we have more information regarding the scans and the extent of the injury, we will make a decision moving forward and assess the situation," he added.

Samson-Dravid rift reports

After the loss against Delhi Capitals, the rift rumours between Rahul Dravid and Samson gathered steam after a video went viral, showcasing the Rajasthan Royals captain standing a little away from the rest of the team during the Super Over discussions.

When a player asked Samson to join in, he declined with a hand gesture, leading fans to question whether everything was fine within the group.

However, ahead of the match against LSG, Rahul Dravid quashed all these reports, calling them "baseless." “I don’t know where these reports are coming from. Sanju and I are on the same page," he told reporters.

“He’s a very integral part of our team. He’s involved in each and every decision and discussion. The team's spirit is really good. I’m impressed with how hard these guys work. One of the things people don’t understand is how hurt the players feel when they don’t perform,” he added.

Rajasthan Royals have won just two matches from seven. The side are languishing at eighth position in the standings.

Read Also: D Gukesh Cites ‘Intuition’ Challenges Behind Freestyle Chess Struggles as Erigaisi Outshines in Paris

Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!