Sanju Samson Back, Archer Out; Vaibhav Suryavanshi Demoted? RR Probable XI vs PBKS

Debashis Sarangi

Sanju Samson and Vaibhav Suryavanshi [Source: AP]Sanju Samson and Vaibhav Suryavanshi [Source: AP]

On Sunday, Rajasthan Royals (RR) will collide with Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their 13th group-stage match of the ongoing IPL 2025 season. The Royals have already been eliminated from the tournament, losing nine of their first twelve matches. 

However, as the IPL 2025 resumes after a brief suspension, RR are marred by several setbacks. While Jofra Archer has been ruled out of the tournament, Sandeep Sharma and Nitish Rana have also been replaced following injury concerns. 

So, as the Royals gear up to finish the tournament on a high, let's see what could be their playing XI for the penultimate clash against PBKS. 

RR Playing XI For Last Match vs KKR

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Kunal Singh Rathore, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Riyan Parag (C), Shimron Hetmyer, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Yudhvir Singh, Akash Madhwal
Impact: Shubham Dubey

Who Could Be Dropped If Sanju Samson Gets In?

RR skipper Sanju Samson missed a significant portion of the IPL due to an unfortunate side injury. However, he has reportedly recovered from it, attending RR net sessions frequently. 

So, if Samson is declared fit for this game, he will likely replace Kunal Singh Rathore at number 3. Although he used to open before getting injured, RR might not disturb the swashbuckling opening pair of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Suryavanshi. 

Two flamboyant stroke-makers, Jaiswal and Suryavanshi have been prolific in the tournament. While Jaiswal has struck 473 runs at a magnificent strike rate of 154.58, Suryavanshi recently became the youngest-ever centurion in IPL history. 

Criterion
As opener
At number 3
Innings3192
Runs
7833035
Average26.1038.42
Strike Rate137.37143.63

(Sanju Samson in IPL)

It's worth mentioning that Samson used to bat at 3 when Jaiswal and Buttler were RR's openers. 

Also, as shown in the above table, Samson has much better numbers at 3 than as an opener. So, with Suryavanshi finding his feet as a bright prospect, the explosive Kerala batter could be back to his previous batting position. 

Toss-Up Between Farooqi And Maphaka To Replace Archer

With Jofra Archer getting sidelined due to finger injury, there could be a toss-up between Fazalhaq Farooqi and Kwena Maphaka for his replacement role. 

However, as Farooqi has failed to scalp a single wicket in four IPL 2025, Maphaka's extra pace and ability to make the new ball talk might prompt RR to unleash him in this match. 

Shimron Hetmyer and Maheesh Theekshana are available and will likely fill the remaining overseas slots. 

RR probable XI vs PBKS

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Sanju Samson (C), Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Shimron Hetmyer (available as per Cricinfo), Wanindu Hasaranga, Kwena Maphaka, Maheesh Theekshana, Tushar Deshpande, Akash Madhwal
Impact player: Shubham Dubey

RR probable XI if Samson is unavailable

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Riyan Parag (C), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Shimron Hetmyer, Wanindu Hasaranga, Tushar Deshpande, Akash Madhwal, Kwena Maphaka, Kumar Kartikeya
Impact player: Shubham Dubey