Sanju Samson is set to return as Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain after receiving clearance from the National Cricket Academy (NCA, or the Centre of Excellence) to keep wickets in IPL 2025. He’ll lead the team against the Punjab Kings at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium on April 5.
Samson was hit on his right index finger after being hit by RR teammate and England pacer Jofra Archer during India’s T20I series against England in February. He spent the next few weeks at the NCA in Bengaluru and initially, only got the clearance to play as a specialist batter for the first few matches of the IPL season.
RR followed the directions and used the Impact Player rule to limit Samson’s wicketkeeping duties. As he couldn’t be on the field, Riyan Parag led in the first three matches.
“Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson has received clearance from the National Cricket Academy (NCA) to resume wicketkeeping duties following a period of recovery,” the Royals said in a release.
“The clearance comes after a thorough assessment of his fitness by the NCA medical team. With this positive development, Samson will return to his full leadership role and resume captaincy from the team’s next match against the Punjab Kings.”
