There’s something magical about the IPL season rolling around every year. For me, it’s not just about the cricket—it’s about the memories, the late-night chats with friends, and the sheer joy of watching players like Sanju Samson light up the field. So when I read that Sanju had finally joined the Rajasthan Royals camp for IPL 2025 after recovering from a finger injury, I felt a rush of excitement mixed with relief. It’s March 18, 2025, and with the season kicking off in just a few days, his return feels like the perfect start to what could be an unforgettable journey. Let’s dive into this story, one that’s as much about grit and determination as it is about cricket.
The Comeback We’ve All Been Waiting For
I still remember the moment Sanju got injured. It was during India’s T20I series against England earlier this year, and my heart sank as I watched him wince after a bouncer from Jofra Archer—ironically, his RR teammate—struck his finger. That injury wasn’t just a blow to him; it felt personal to fans like me who’ve followed his journey from a promising youngster to the captain of Rajasthan Royals. Surgery followed, and then weeks of rehab at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Every update about his recovery had me on edge—would he be fit in time for IPL 2025?
The answer came on March 17, when Rajasthan Royals shared a video of Sanju stepping into camp, all smiles and hugs, greeting head coach Rahul Dravid like an old friend. That moment hit me hard. After months of uncertainty, seeing him back with the team felt like a weight lifting off my shoulders. He’d flown straight from the airport to the training ground in Jaipur, and the Royals’ caption—“Straight from the airport to our first practice match to making everyone smile like he does!”—captured it perfectly. Sanju wasn’t just back; he was ready to lead.
A Captain’s Resilience
Sanju Samson’s story is one I’ve always connected with. Growing up in Kerala, he wasn’t handed opportunities on a silver platter—he earned them through sheer talent and perseverance. I’ve watched him evolve from that explosive teenager in IPL 2013 to the composed leader who took RR to the final in 2022. But 2024? That was a tough year. Despite scoring a stellar 531 runs at a strike rate of 153.47, the team faltered, bowing out in the eliminator against Sunrisers Hyderabad. I felt his frustration through the screen—those post-match interviews where he’d smile but you could see the disappointment in his eyes.
The finger injury only added to the challenges. A fractured right index finger isn’t just a physical setback for a batsman; for a wicketkeeper, it’s a nightmare. I couldn’t help but wonder if he’d be the same behind the stumps—or if he’d even keep wickets this season. Reports suggest it’s uncertain, with Dhruv Jurel as a backup option. But knowing Sanju, I bet he’s itching to get those gloves back on. He’s not the type to sit back; he’s the guy who’ll push through pain to be there for his team. That’s the Sanju I’ve come to admire.
The Human Side of Recovery
Recovery isn’t just about healing bones—it’s about battling doubts and staying patient. I’ve had my share of injuries, nothing as serious as Sanju’s, but enough to know how maddening it can be to sit on the sidelines. For him, it must’ve been torture—watching cricket while stuck in rehab, knowing the IPL clock was ticking. I can imagine him at the Centre of Excellence, grinding through physio sessions, maybe even sneaking a peek at RR’s auction picks on his phone. The thought of him hugging Dravid when he arrived at camp tells me how much he missed this—the camaraderie, the banter, the feeling of being home with his Royals family.
His return isn’t just a boost for RR; it’s a personal triumph. I think back to my own small victories—hitting the gym again after a sprain or finishing a tough project—and multiply that by a thousand. That’s what Sanju must be feeling right now. And as a fan, I’m proud of him—not just for the runs he scores, but for the heart he shows.
Rajasthan Royals: A Team on the Brink
Let’s talk about the Royals for a minute. This team has always had a special place in my heart—maybe it’s the underdog vibe or the way they’ve unearthed gems like Sanju and Yashasvi Jaiswal. IPL 2024 was bittersweet: third in the league stage with eight wins, a thrilling qualifier win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and then that crushing 36-run loss to SRH. I stayed up late for that eliminator, hoping against hope, only to crash on the couch disappointed. But 2025 feels different.
Sanju’s return is the headline, but the squad looks stacked. Retained stars like Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, and Sandeep Sharma form a solid core. Then came the auction—Jofra Archer’s comeback, Wanindu Hasaranga’s spin magic, Maheesh Theekshana’s mystery, and Nitish Rana’s experience. I can already picture the XI: Sanju leading, Jaiswal smashing, and Archer steaming in. Their opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 23 at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium is just days away, and I’m buzzing with anticipation.
The Dravid Factor
Seeing Sanju greet Rahul Dravid in that video warmed my heart. Dravid’s return as head coach is a masterstroke for RR. I grew up idolizing “The Wall”—those marathon Test innings that taught me patience—and now he’s back where he started, guiding the Royals to their 2008 title. Sanju’s bond with him goes way back; Dravid mentored him in his early IPL days, and you can see the mutual respect. I imagine them sitting in the dugout, Sanju soaking up Dravid’s wisdom, plotting how to outsmart SRH’s Pat Cummins or KKR’s Andre Russell.
Dravid’s calm presence could be the glue that holds this talented squad together. After last season’s late stumble, his steady hand might just push RR over the finish line. I can’t wait to see how he shapes Sanju’s captaincy—maybe adding a touch of that old-school grit to his natural flair.
What’s at Stake for Sanju?
For Sanju, IPL 2025 is more than just a tournament—it’s a proving ground. His recent international outings against England were underwhelming, and with India’s T20I squad brimming with talent—think Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant—he needs a big season to cement his spot. I’ve seen posts on X calling IPL 2025 a make-or-break moment for him, and I get it. At 30, he’s at that crossroads where consistency could make him untouchable.
Last year’s 531 runs were a statement—five fifties, a century, pure class. I rewatched his 82 off 52 against Lucknow Super Giants, and it was poetry: lofted covers, wristy flicks, and that trademark smile. If he can replicate that, maybe share the keeping load with Jurel to stay fresh, he’ll silence the doubters. As a fan, I’m rooting for him—not just for RR, but for that Indian jersey he deserves to wear more often.
A Fan’s Dream
I’ve been an RR fan since the Shane Warne days, and every season feels like a rollercoaster. The 2022 final loss to Gujarat Titans still stings—I’d bragged to my friends about an easy win, only to eat my words. But Sanju’s return has me dreaming again. Picture this: a packed Sawai Mansingh Stadium, pink jerseys everywhere, and Sanju lifting the trophy as fireworks light up Jaipur’s night sky. It’s a scene I’ve played in my head a hundred times, and with this squad, it doesn’t feel impossible.
The Royals have the firepower—Jaiswal’s aggression, Parag’s audacity, Archer’s pace—and now, Sanju’s back to steer the ship. Their first test against SRH will set the tone. I’ll be glued to my TV, probably stress-eating samosas, cheering every boundary. Win or lose, though, it’s the journey that hooks me—the highs, the lows, the moments that make cricket more than a game.
The Bigger IPL Picture
Zoom out, and IPL 2025 is shaping up to be a blockbuster. The league’s grown into a beast—over 400 million viewers, billion-dollar media rights, and franchises that are mini-empires. RR’s story is just one thread in this tapestry. Mumbai Indians with Rohit Sharma, Chennai Super Kings with MS Dhoni’s legacy, and newcomers like Lucknow Super Giants with Rishabh Pant—all vying for glory. But for me, it’s the Royals who carry my hopes.
Sanju’s return isn’t just a headline; it’s a spark. It’s the kind of story that reminds us why we love sports—the comeback, the underdog, the human spirit. I think of my dad, who’d watch IPL with me and say, “It’s not about the wins; it’s about the fight.” Sanju embodies that fight, and I can’t wait to see him unleash it.
Counting Down to March 23
As I write this, it’s early morning on March 18, 2025. The sun’s barely up, but I’m already thinking about that SRH clash. Will Sanju keep wickets? Will he open with Jaiswal? Will Archer strike early? The questions swirl, but one thing’s certain: Sanju Samson’s back, and he’s got a point to prove. For RR, for himself, and for fans like me who’ve stuck by him through thick and thin.
This season could be his masterpiece—a chance to lead RR to that elusive second title and etch his name in IPL lore. I’ll be there every step, cheering, cursing, celebrating. Because that’s what cricket does—it pulls you in, makes you feel alive. Sanju’s return isn’t just a boost for Rajasthan Royals; it’s a gift to every fan who believes in second chances. Bring on IPL 2025—I’m ready.
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