IPL 2025 SRH vs RR Match 2: Why is Sanju Samson Not Playing in Starting XI?

In the second IPL 2025 match, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) will host Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Sunday, March 23. The 18th season of the 10-team tournament began with a lopsided match between the reigning champion Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

The runners-up from the previous year, Hyderabad, will now face the first-ever winners, Rajasthan Royals, at home. For the first time in his career, Riyan Parag will be leading the Royals. They will be led once more by Pat Cummins, who inspired everyone with his leadership of the Orange Army throughout the previous season.

Their campaign begins this year with a trip to Sunrisers Hyderabad, which is no small feat for any club. Even though Jos Buttler is no longer with the Royals, this team appears to be just as strong at bat. But when it comes to the bowling, it is more of an issue. They will need their players to be at their peak because they have had to start from scratch. 

Sanju Samson Missed Out:

SANJU SAMSON AS IMPACT PLAYER FOR RAJASTHAN ROYALS..!!! pic.twitter.com/Cgs8xxKfs6

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 23, 2025

After winning the Royals' toss, Parag chose to bowl first. The wicket seemed a little dry, he thought. He talked about how unique it is for him to captain the team where he began playing in the IPL at the age of 17. Cummins, meanwhile, believed that the toss would not be very important and that he would not mind batting first in Hyderabad's hot and muggy weather.

As a result of his injury, captain Sanju Samson has already declared that he will be a batting-only player in their opening game. He will, however, probably be ready to bat first with the extremely gifted Yashasvi Jaiswal. This creates a strong opening combination that must compete head-to-head with Abhishek.

Depending on left-hand and right-hand, Riyan Parag and Nitish Rana will probably be employed as matchup possibilities in the 3–4 spot. Parag will be a player to watch following his breakthrough campaign the previous season. Rana was an inexpensive purchase for a reliable top-order alternative. It also offers a bowling option that is comparable to Parag, which strengthens that area as well.

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