Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson will miss the team’s upcoming IPL 2025 clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on April 24 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium due to an abdominal injury, the franchise confirmed.

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In an official statement, the Royals said Samson is currently undergoing recovery and will remain at the team’s home base under the supervision of select medical staff. “As part of his ongoing rehab process, he will not be travelling to Bangalore for the upcoming match against RCB,” the statement read. The team added that his return to the field will be assessed on a game-by-game basis.

Samson had earlier missed the match against Lucknow Super Giants, having pulled up with the injury during a game against Delhi Capitals. His absence has been a setback for a team that has struggled for form this season, currently sitting eighth on the points table with just two wins from eight matches.

In Samson’s absence, Riyan Parag has stepped up as stand-in captain. Parag had also filled in at the start of the season when Samson was recovering from thumb surgery and had been advised against wicketkeeping duties.

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The injury also opened the door for 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who made his debut in the Royals’ previous match against Lucknow. However, with the team’s form fluctuating, Samson’s absence will be keenly felt as the Royals face a must-win scenario in the second half of the league.

RR will take on RCB in Bengaluru on April 24, hoping to turn their campaign around in Samson’s absence.