Rajasthan Royals continued to be bogged down by injuries in IPL 2025. With regular captain Sanju Samson struggling for fitness, the 2008 Champions were handed further blow ahead of the RR vs MI clash on Thursday. Death overs specialist Sandeep Sharma was ruled out with a fractured finger, while Wanindu Hasaranga also missed out due to a niggle.
Rajasthan Royals (Playing XI): Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Nitish Rana, Riyan Parag(c), Dhruv Jurel(w), Shimron Hetmyer, Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Kumar Kartikeya, Akash Madhwal, Fazalhaq Farooqi
At the toss, Riyan Parag confirmed the changes. He said, “Couple of changes, Hasaranga has a niggle, Kumar Kartikeya comes in, Sandy (Sandeep Sharma) bhai has broken his finger so Madhwal comes in.”
Injuries rock Rajasthan Royals ahead of MI clash
Sandeep Sharma and Wanindu Hasaranga have both been constants in RR’s bowling line ups this season. The former has been their end overs specialist, forming a potent partnership with Jofra Archer. Sharma has also been clever with his bowling in the powerplay, conceding at less than 7 despite field restrictions.
Overall, Sandeep Sharma has 9 wickets in 10 games. He fractured his finger in the last game, but finished his spell battling through pain. On the eve of the RR vs MI clash, the veteran pacer was spotted with a sling around his arm.
Wanindu Hasaranga, meanwhile, is the Rajasthan Royals’ leading wicket-taker in IPL 2025. The Sri Lankan has 10 wickets in 8 games, striking at 18. The leg-spinner has chipped in consistently in the middle overs, helping RR put the breaks on the opposition with fellow Sri Lankan Maheesh Theekshana.
Rajasthan Royals opt for ex-MI duo
With injuries striking hard, the Royals have opted to bring in Kumar Kartikeya and Akash Madhwal for the MI game. Incidentally, both Kartikeya and Madhwal played for MI until last season. RR, meanwhile, pounced on the duo during the IPL 2025 auction. The hosts will hope that the ex-MI duo can spring their magic and keep the Royals’ campaign alive.
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