April 17, 2025 — In a dramatic IPL 2025 clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Rajasthan Royals (RR) suffered a heartbreaking loss to Delhi Capitals (DC) in a Super Over. The Royals’ chase of 189 was derailed by a crucial injury to captain Sanja Samsonwho retired hurt while in fine form, significantly impacting his team’s momentum and their eventual defeat.

Samson Injured During Powerplay, Misses Super Over

Sanju Samson was cruising at 31 runs off 19 ballshaving put up a stellar 61-run opening stand with Yashasvi Jaiswal in just 5.3 overs. However, in the sixth over, while attempting a cut shot against leg-spinner Vipraj Nigam, Samson suffered a side strain in his ribs.

Despite facing the next delivery, a no-ball, Samson was visibly in pain and was soon escorted off the field by the physioruling him out for the remainder of the game.

His absence was deeply felt, especially in the Super Overwhere he did not return to bat. RR managed only 11 runswhich proved insufficient as Delhi chased it down in just four balls.

Post-Match Update: Samson Provides Injury Insight

Speaking after the game, Samson shared an update on his condition:
“Feeling okay for now, just wasn’t ready to come back tonight. Let’s see how it feels tomorrow.”

He acknowledged that the target was chaseablebut praised Mitchell Starc’s death-over bowling for turning the game on its head.

Starc, who took the wicket of set batter Nitish Rana (51) in the 18th over and bowled a stunning 20th over, was pivotal in pushing the match into a Super Over — and ultimately sealing the win for Delhi.

Rajasthan Royals Slip in the Points Table

Following the defeat, RR have now won only two of their seven matchesdropping to eighth place in the IPL 2025 standings.

The injury to Samson, one of their most consistent performers, casts a shadow over their upcoming fixtures:

• April 19 vs Lucknow Super Giants

• April 24 vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru

• April 28 vs Gujarat Titans

The team will hope for a quick recovery for their captain and a much-needed turnaround in form to stay in playoff contention.