IPL 2025: Why is Sanju Samson not playing in match 36, RR vs LSG?

Riyan Parag has again taken over as RR captain in absence of Sanju Samson.

The 36th match of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) is currently underway at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur. However, a shock came before start of the game as Sanju Samson was not seen captaining the hosts.

Riyan Parag is once again leading RR in the absence of Samson. At the toss, LSG skipper Rishabh Pant called it right and then opted to bat first.

RR entered this match after a defeat against Delhi Capitals (DC) in their previous game. They lost the thrilling match in the Super Over. On the other hand, Rishabh Pant & Co. lost to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their last match of IPL 2025. Hence, both teams will be desperate for a victory in the encounter.

Why is Sanju Samson not playing against LSG?

In not so surprising turn of events, Riyan Parag walked out at the toss instead of RR’s regular skipper Sanju Samson today evening. The reason behind it is, Samson, the franchise’s regular captain, injured himself in RR’s last match, which they played against DC.

Notably, Samson suffered abdominal injury in RR’s last match against DC. He was then taken for scans and the reports effectively ruled him out of tonight’s game, while vice-captain Riyan Parag took over as captain of the side.

Earlier this season, Samson played three games as an Impact Player as he wasn’t declared fit to keep wickets post his finger surgery. In his absence, Riyan led the side. Later when Samson was declared fit to keep wickets by the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) Centre of Excellence (CoE), he returned to lead the side.

However, now his abdominal injury has forced him not even play as an Impact Player for the side.

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