Sanju Samson Out, Vaibhav Suryavanshi In? RR's Probable XI For IPL 2025 Match vs SRH

Rajasthan Royals players in training (Source:@SanjuSamson_Era/X.com)

The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League is finally here, and it is time for the first Super Sunday of the season. It is the double-header day and the first game will be between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals. The match will be played at the home of the Orange Army, and it would be interesting to see how both teams start off their campaign.

SRH were the runners-up of the last edition and have a strong arsenal at their disposal. Thus, RR would have to play well and deliver as a unit to beat the mighty Cummins army. So, ahead of the clash, let's see the probable XI of the visitors, Rajasthan Royals.

Sanju Samson To Play As A Specialist Batter Against SRH

For Starters, Sanju Samson is still not fully fit to don his wicketkeeping role and it has been announced that Riyan Parag will lead RR in the initial three matches. However, Sanju Samson is fit enough to bat and RR are likely to use the Impact Player rule to ensure that the star batter only performs that role in the first three matches.

However, if the RR management think that even batting can aggravate his finger injury, then there is an option of 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi. However, it is highly unlikely that Sanju Samson will sit out completely and thus if RR bats first, Sanju Samson will be included in the XI. If they bat second, he will come in as an Impact Player. At number 3 will be Nitish Rana who is an experienced batter and has a decent record at that position in IPL.

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Nitish Rana At Number 3

The number four, five and six, are a settled lot of the last season. Riyan Parag will take the number 4 position, and with an average of over 50 and close to a strike-rate of 150, he will be a key player for RR. Dhruv Jurel and Shimron Hetmyer can be rotated according to the situation of the game while Shubham Dubey can be fitted in for a role of a finisher.

At number 8 will be Wanindu Hasaranga who is a capable batter himself, but would be critical with the ball against a powerful SRH unit that would look to attack him. If he can pick wickets in middle overs, they can stem the run-flow and Maheesh Theekshana can also be used for the same role. 

Wanindu Hasaranga In IPL

Both have done well for Sri Lanka in tandem and RR would be hoping that they can choke SRH batters in the opening match. Jofra Archer and Sandeep Sharma will be the two pacers in the XI when RR bat first while Akash Madhwal can be brought in as an Impact Player in place of Sanju Samson in the second half. 

There is also an option of Tushar Deshpande, but as he is coming after a long injury layoff, Madhwal might be preferred as he brings quality death-bowling skills to the table.

Rajasthan Royals' Probable XI vs SRH

Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Nitish Rana, Riyan Parag (C), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Shimron Hetmyer, Shubham Dubey, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Sandeep Sharma

Impact Player - Akash Madhwal In Place Of Sanju Samson

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