In what could come as a killing blow for the Rajasthan Royals (RR), skipper Sanju Samson may not be available to play the next game. RR are scheduled to have a must-win clash against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Saturday (April 19) night, but there are doubts over Samson’s availability after he got hit in the previous game against the Delhi Capitals (DC).
Scans to decide Samson’s fate
Rajasthan head coach Rahul Dravid confirmed that Sanju Samson is awaiting the results of the scans. The Indian international underwent scans on the eve of the clash and the reports might decide the fate on the morning of the RR vs LSG game.
“Sanju experienced a bit of pain in the abdominal area,” head coach Rahul Dravid told reporters on the eve of the RR vs LSG match. “So we have gone for scans. He has done some scans today so we are waiting the results of those scans. And then 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.”
How did Sanju Samson get injured?
The Rajasthan Royals captain retired hurt during a promising innings against Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Chasing 189, Samson had looked in fluent touch. He appeared set for a big innings until Samson attempted to attack spinner Vijraj Nigam in the sixth over. On the third delivery, he went for a cut, missed the ball, and immediately clutched his ribs. The physio was rushed in, and a brief break followed.
Despite returning to face one more ball, which he hit powerfully to long-off, Samson didn’t attempt a run and signalled toward the dugout, grimacing in pain as he walked off the field. After the match, Samson provided an update, saying the injury felt “alright,” but he wasn’t ready to return to bat. “It feels alright now. We will observe it tomorrow and see how it is,” he said.
Earlier in the season, Samson had been sidelined with a finger fracture, only returning as a wicketkeeper after three matches
