IPL 2025: Sanju Samson Injured, Rajasthan Royals Suffer Big Blow Against Delhi Capitals

There has been a plethora of surprises on the field during the Indian Premier League 2025, and the latest twist came during the pressure cooker match between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Delhi Capitals (DC). The RR captain and star batter, Sanju Samson, suffered an unexpected injury during the match and had to leave it midway, dealing a serious blow to his team's momentum as well as to their chances in this crucial game.

What Happened to Sanju Samson?

The incident occurred towards the middle of the 10th over of the Rajasthan Royals innings whilst chasing a competitive total from Delhi Capitals. One minute, it was very much in control, and the next, there was utter chaos as Samson, who looked brilliant until then, was seen pulling up in agony after running for a quick single. Later checks confirmed there would be some damage to either his thigh or hamstring.

Though he attempted to carry on for just a little longer, the pain appeared to be too much for the RR captain, and he strolled off with the physio's assistance after signaling to the dugout. His exit has created a considerable hole in the Royals' batting line-up.

Impact on Rajasthan Royals' Performance

Samson plays a more dominant and reliable role as a captain and player. His cool head in the middle order often settles down the innings and allows the team to reach good totals. With his retirement hurt, the team looked at younger and less experienced players to step up under pressure. 

Riyan Parag and Shimron Hetmyer tried to keep the ship steady, but the sudden blow threw the entire batting momentum off. The bowlers from the Delhi Capitals capitalized on the opportunity and tightened their grip on the match.

Delhi Capitals Hold Their Nerve

The DC bowling attack, led by seasoned pacers and smart spinners, maintained pressure throughout the innings. The absence of Samson meant they could attack more freely without the threat of his powerful hitting in the death overs.

Bowlers like Anrich Nortje and Kuldeep Yadav made clever use of variations and bowled tight lines. Their disciplined approach ensured RR never really recovered from the loss of their captain.

Lords Exchange Fans and Live Viewers React

Platforms like Lords Exchange that track every ball of the match saw a flurry of reactions as soon as Sanju Samson walked off. Fans expressed concern over the injury and its possible consequences for RR in the rest of the tournament.

Sanju is known for his consistency and leadership, and any potential long-term absence could affect the Rajasthan Royals' campaign this season.

What This Means Going Forward for RR

With the tournament reaching its mid-phase, every point matters. RR have been among the top contenders, thanks to consistent performances from Samson, Buttler, and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Losing their captain, even for a few games, could dent their chances.

The team management will closely monitor his condition. If it's a minor strain, he might return within a match or two. But if the injury is more serious, RR will have to consider alternate leadership options and rework their strategy.

Possible Replacements and Team Strategy

If Samson cannot play in the upcoming few matches, Rajasthan could use Jos Buttler or Ravichandran Ashwin as stand-in captains. Both of them have experience and have been full-timers to captain teams sometime in the past.

In addition to filling the batting position, RR may include Devdutt Padikkal or Dhruv Jurel to complete its middle order. They are under-23 players and have shown promise in the previous games, so they can flourish under pressure.

Support and Encouragement from the Cricket Community

Several players and fans have posted wishes for Samson’s speedy recovery. Former cricketers have emphasized the need for RR to stay calm and adapt their strategies while backing young players to step up in his absence.

Match Summary: RR vs DC - Key Moments

• Delhi Capitals Innings: Set a target of 175 with strong contributions from Prithvi Shaw and Rishabh Pant.
• RR Chase: Started steadily, but Samson’s injury in the 10th over shifted the momentum.
• Post-Injury: Middle-order struggled, and DC took control with smart bowling.