Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain Sanju Samson has revealed that he wants to step down from wicketkeeping duties in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Sanju Samson said that this decision comes after discussions with the Rajasthan Royals team management and his teammate Dhruv Jurel.
Rajasthan Royals participated in the IPL 2025 auction with the lowest purse of Rs. 41 crore after retaining six players. The Royals retained Samson (Rs. 18 crore), Yashasvi Jaiswal (Rs. 18), Riyan Parag (Rs. 14) and Dhruv Jurel (Rs. 14). RR also retained Shimron Hetmyer (Rs. 11 crore) and Sandeep Sharma (Rs. 4).
Dhruv Jurel needs to wear gloves in IPL – Sanju Samson
In a conversation with AB de Villiers on his YouTube channel, Samson said that he will relinquish his wicketkeeping duties in IPL 2025. He said that Dhruv Jurel, who is currently a Test wicketkeeper, will take charge of the gloves as it is important for its development.
“I haven’t said this on air, but we feel that where Dhruv Jurel is at this point in his career as a Test wicketkeeper, he needs to wear the gloves in the IPL. That was a discussion. I think we will share gloves,” Samson said.
I have never been a captain as a fielder – Sanju Samson
The 30-year-old cricketer emphasized that he had never captained as a fielder but was open to sharing the responsibility with Jurel. He also stated that the team must come first and give importance to the individual.
“I’ve never been a captain as an outfielder. That could be a challenge. I told him, ‘Dhruv, I understand where you’re coming from and I think as a team leader you should keep him for a few games as well.’ We’ll see how to play with that, but nothing should put before the team, the team must come first and importance must be given to the individual,” Samson added.
Sanju Samson has been the main goalkeeper for Rajasthan Royals since 2021
Sanju Samson has been the main goalkeeper for Rajasthan Royals since 2021, despite the presence of Jos Buttler over the years. Samson has kept wickets in 111 of his 146 matches for the franchise. His last appearance as a specialist batsman was in 2022.
With Buttler’s departure, RR is looking for a new inaugural partner for Yashasvi Jaiswal. Samson, who recently opened for India in T20Is and scored three centuries in his last five innings, could also take on the role of RR opener. Dhruv Jurel is expected to bat in the middle order, with Nitish Rana and Riyan Parag.
Best Playing XI for Rajasthan Royals for IPL 2025:
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson (C), Nitish Rana, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Shubham Dubey, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jofra Archer, Tushar Deshpande, Sandeep Sharma, Impact Sub: Maheesh Theekshana/Fazalhaq Farooqi
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