IPL 2025: Just when Rajasthan Royals (RR) seemed to get into the rhythm of IPL 2025 with two consecutive wins, they were dealt a reality check by Gujarat Titans (GT), losing by a convincing 58 runs on Wednesday. The loss brought to the fore some glaring issues in the batting as well as the bowling order.
This year, RR have opted for a young team, especially the batting unit. But skipper Sanju Samson feels that even though they are young, most of them have good experience to offer.
“It’s a good question to start with,” said Samson in a media interaction, as per ESPNcricinfo.
“Yes, we do have a young side this time, but that has its pluses as well. They are young in years maybe, but if you take into account their match experience — many of them have played international cricket and have considerable IPL experience as well. So, I wouldn’t call them inexperienced when it comes to cricketing awareness.”
Samson goes on to bet on young guns such as Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, and Shubham Dubey, banking on them stepping up as the tournament reaches its decisive stage.
The Royals captain also admitted that his own contribution has changed this season. With a different setup of players from the Indian national team, he’s had to adapt his game accordingly.
“My role has certainly evolved. It varies with each team you play for. In Indian T20I, we have to bat deep and are looked upon to go hard from ball one. But here at RR, the balance of the team is different. I’ve had to adapt and play a more versatile role,” he clarified.
“But I think I’m mature enough to fit in and also guide this young group. And with Rahul Dravid as our mentor, I think we’re in capable hands,” Samson further stated.
He also gave an indication that the management isn’t hesitant in taking daring decisions, like tweaking the playing XI if the situation demands so.
“We have chosen players to provide an opportunity for them. The franchise’s intention is to assemble a winning title team — be it juniors, inexperienced, or seniors. Anybody who is part of this group here is to help us win games, and that’s our agenda,” Samson explained.
“We’ve passed the early stages of the tournament now. It’s now the business end. We’ve got to win as many matches as we can, and the only way that can happen is if we just keep getting behind ourselves and playing the game the way we can play.
On the availability side, Samson confirmed that Sri Lankan wrist-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, who had gone back home due to personal reasons, is now with the team and will be available for Sunday’s match against his previous team, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
Finally, Samson spoke about the slow over-rates issue, which had plagued the team previously.
“With four pacers in our last match, it was a bit tough to maintain the over-rate. But we’re working on it and will try to bowl as quickly as possible,” he assured.
As RR heads into a critical stretch of the tournament, the pressure is on — but so is the belief.
