IPL 2025: Sanju Samson retires hurt after breezy knock vs DC

During Wednesday, April 16’s Match 32 of the current Indian Premier League between the Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Sanju Samson appeared to injure his left side around his rib cage and had to retire. After the third delivery of the sixth over of the run-chase was bowled, he made his decision.

Vipraj Nigam’s first over ended in a no-ball at the third delivery. Samson seems to have injured himself while attempting to slash the faster ball. To tend to RR’s captain, the physio had come out to the centre. After a long pause during which Samson was observed extending his left arm and consuming a tablet, play resumed.

The delivery of the free-hit was complete and flawless. Long-range was the direction the ball was drilled. To the surprise of all, the ball did not lose any runs. He grimaced in agony as he began to go back to the pavilion, appearing to be in a lot of discomfort after making the shot. He was replaced by Riyan Parag. Interestingly, this was the second time an IPL captain had to retire due to injury. Krunal Pandya’s 2023 matchup with the Mumbai Indians was the first.

Sanju Samson won the toss and put DC in to bat first earlier in the evening.

By the end of their 20-over limit, the hosts had scored 188/5. With 49 points, Abishek Porel was the leading scorer. At 34 off 18 deliveries, Tristan Stubbs finished the innings undefeated. Axar Patel’s 34 off 14 balls was very helpful in giving DC’s innings a boost. Jofra Archer took two wickets for RR, however. Sandeep Sharma was also very frugal, with the exception of his last over. Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana both claimed a wicket.