Has Sanju Samson Lost Interest in Rajasthan Royals Due to Internal Politics Within the Management?
After the Rajasthan Royals' narrow Super Over loss to the Delhi Capitals, fans noticed Sanju Samson looking visibly disappointed. What sparked rumours further was his lack of involvement with the team management during crucial Super Over discussions. His absence from the strategy talks has led to growing speculation about a possible rift between Samson and the Royals' management.
Rajasthan Royals has long been known for its positive team atmosphere and the presence of some of the most exciting players in the IPL. Over the years, the core group, including Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Trent Boult, Jos Buttler, and Yuzvendra Chahal, helped shape a vibrant and motivated environment. With Kumar Sangakkara in a key leadership role, the franchise had managed to bring together a group of players eager to perform and contribute consistently. However, the 2025 IPL season has painted a different picture. Rajasthan Royals currently find themselves languishing at the 8th position in the points table, having won just 2 out of their 7 matches.
With only 4 points in their kitty, their performances have been below par, and fan frustration has started to grow. Adding to the concern are recent rumours of a rift between captain Sanju Samson and the team management. This speculation intensified after the Super Over loss to Delhi Capitals, where Samson appeared detached and was notably absent from the management’s strategy discussions. Fans have begun to sense a disconnect between the skipper and the decision-makers, sparking worries about internal issues affecting the team’s performance on the field.
Why Has Sanju Samson Drifted Away from the Rajasthan Royals Management?
Being one of the most respected captains in the IPL, Sanju Samson has led Rajasthan Royals with calmness and confidence over the years. His leadership has played a huge role in developing young talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Riyan Parag, and he has built a strong core around overseas stars like Jos Buttler, Trent Boult, and Yuzvendra Chahal. Under his captaincy, the Rajasthan Royals have often displayed a fighting spirit and positive team environment.
However, the 2025 IPL season has taken a sudden and concerning turn for both the franchise and its skipper. Rajasthan Royals are currently placed at the 8th position in the points table with just two wins from seven matches and a total of four points. Fans and analysts alike are questioning the team’s decisions, and more worryingly, a growing divide between Samson and the team management has come to light.
Our season is over even before it started🤦🏽‍♂️
— Sanju Samson Fans Page (@SanjuSamsonFP) November 25, 2024
Sanju deserves a better team & management for the loyalty he has shown to this team even after rejecting offers from big clubs
Some of these calls doesn't even make any sense at all, clearly no intentions for glory
Disappointed👎🏽 pic.twitter.com/3peopoW2Ja
The cracks became most visible in their latest clash against Delhi Capitals. After failing to chase 9 runs in the final over and eventually losing in the Super Over, things looked unsettled. A viral video from the match showed head coach Rahul Dravid addressing the team ahead of the Super Over, but Sanju Samson appeared disengaged, walking around casually and not paying attention to the instructions. He even made a hand gesture that fans interpreted as rude or dismissive towards the coach, which has fueled rumours of a possible rift.
The management’s decision-making during the Super Over was also questioned. Despite Yashasvi Jaiswal and Nitish Rana being in form, they sent Riyan Parag and Shimron Hetmyer to bat, a move that didn’t pay off. To make things worse, Sandeep Sharma was chosen to bowl the Super Over instead of the more experienced Jofra Archer, which left many, including Samson, reportedly, surprised.
đź’” pic.twitter.com/zaraqhIWeu
— Sanju Samson Fans Page (@SanjuSamsonFP) April 17, 2025
However, in the post-match presentation, Sanju Samson backed his team Rajasthan Royals, to bounce back strongly in the upcoming games. He mentioned that the team has been playing good cricket and just needs a few key moments to go in their favour. Samson remained optimistic and confident that the Royals would turn things around in the second half of the season. He said:
It feels alright. I was just not ready to come back and bat here. We’ll observe it tomorrow and see how it is. I think we bowled well. There were phases where they came hard at us. But I would like to give credit to all our bowlers and fielders. I thought that score was chaseable, but as we all saw, it was a fantastic over from Starcy. I’d like to give it to Starcy, I think he won the game for them in the 20th over. [Super Over] The plan was to swing hard. You know he’s going to come hard at you, so we had to go harder at him. [On Sandeep] I think he has been bowling the toughest overs for me for the last few years. I am very fortunate to have someone like him with me. The way Jofra backed him and everyone played around him… but in the end, Starcy took it away from us.
However, the outcome of the match and the tactical choices made have not only cost the Royals valuable points but also revealed signs of internal conflict. While fans are rallying behind Samson, as seen in reactions going viral on social media, the situation suggests that all is not well within the Royals camp. As the season progresses, the Royals will need to address these internal issues quickly. Sanju Samson has been a reliable and composed leader, but for the team to bounce back, a united front is essential, both on and off the field.
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