NEW DELHI: Rajasthan Royals fans received an update on Sanju Samson’s fitness ahead of their clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Thursday.
Stand-in skipper Riyan Parag revealed that the franchise’s long‑serving captain‑keeper is edging toward a full return.
“It’s back to our ethics now, if we can give our 100 percent, the results will take care of themselves,” Parag told the host broadcaster at the toss. “Sanju (Samson) bhai is recovering and hopefully he will be back soon. One change for us. Theekshana is out and Farooqi is in.”
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Parag’s optimism is more than token cheer. Samson’s right‑index‑finger injury, sustained during India’s February T20I series against England, forced surgery and a month‑long stint at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence.
Although cleared to bat, medical staff barred him from wicket‑keeping or diving in the field, limiting the 30‑year‑old to cameo ‘Impact‑Sub’ roles in the Royals’ first three games.
Without their talismanic skipper marshalling the inner ring, the Royals have slipped to 2‑6, losing four straight thrillers and tumbling to eighth on the table.
The leadership vacuum thrust 23‑year‑old Parag into hot‑seat scrutiny.
Fresh off a 573‑run breakout in 2024, the Assamese all‑rounder has handled the glare with trademark swagger—shuffling bowling changes, backing youthful exuberance, and now pulling the tactical trigger by replacing mystery‑spinner Maheesh Theekshana with Afghan left‑arm quick Fazalhaq Farooqi for tonight’s must‑win clash.
For Parag, that timeline can’t accelerate fast enough. Bengaluru’s high‑voltage atmosphere, a reshaped Chinnaswamy wicket, and the prospect of chasing under lights make tonight another examination of RR’s nerve. Yet the youthful skipper insists perspective remains intact: “If we keep playing the cricket we believe in, tables will turn.”
Should Samson stride out fully fit next week, the Royals’ sputtering season might still roar to life.
Until then, Parag shoulders the dreams—and the doubts—of Jaipur’s faithful with a grin and a promise that help is on the way.
