IPL 2025: Samson Doubtful To Captain RR Against LSG Amidst Rumors Of Rift With Dravid
Head coach Rahul Dravid said Sanju Samson had experienced a bit of pain in the abdominal area following which he had undergone scans.
Jaipur: Skipper Sanju Samson has been rendered doubtful after picking up a side strain as an inconsistent Rajasthan Royals seek to plug holes across departments and halt a three-match losing streak in their IPL match against Lucknow Super Giants on Saturday.
Head coach Rahul Dravid said the wicketkeeper-batter had "experienced a bit of pain in the abdominal area" following which he had undergone scans.
"Once we get a bit more clarity around the scans and the severity of (the injury) we'll take a decision going forward and we'll see what happens," said Dravid on Friday, putting a question mark on Samson's availability the match and also his future participation in the IPL.
Meanwhile, rumors started to flood after Royals faced defeat against Capitals with many decisions from the thrilling match coming under scanner.
The decision to use Sandeep Sharma ahead of Jofra Archer for the Super Over in the game surprised many, and so was their move to send Riyan Parag and Shimron Hetmyer, but Dravid took ownership of the calls made by the team this season.
"The decisions are being made by me and with Sanju Samson being an integral part of that and consultation with our other coaches and our analyst team," Dravid said.
Samson returned to pavilion after scoring 31 off 19, the decision had drawn lot of criticism.
"Unfortunately, Sanju had an injury and he had to retire hurt. I won't say it was the turning point because we had confidence in the other batters. But definitely, they gave a great partnership," Dravid clarified.
"No one claims that every decision that even experts make works out and is correct. But I respect the fact and I am very confident of the team that I have around me that is supporting me and Sanju in making these decisions."
"With regards to the specific one on Jofra and Sandeep, Sandeep is someone that we trust. He has been bowling some fantastic overs for us. He has bowled all the difficult overs for us in this tournament. And we completely back him and support him and we felt he was the right bowler for us on that wicket in those conditions with the skills that he has."
After reports of rift between the captain and head coach emerged, Rahul Dravid addressed the issue.
"I don't know where these reports are coming from. Sanju and I are on the same page," RR head coach clarified.
Death bowling worries:
Rajasthan Royals head coach Rahul Dravid on Friday admitted that death bowling has been a cause for concern for the franchise in the ongoing IPL but backed his bowlers to execute their plans better in the upcoming games.