'Have to respect that no matter his age' - RR skipper Sanju Samson gives up opening slot for Vaibhav Suryavanshi

Published - 18 May 2025, 16:52 IST | Updated - 18 May 2025, 17:27 IST

Rajasthan Royals (RR) took on Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur, on May 18. A fit again RR skipper Sanju Samson, who returned to lead the team after an injury kept him out of action before the IPL was halted, confirmed that his replacement Vaibhav Suryavanshi will continue to bat at the top of the order.

Samson sustained an abdominal injury against Delhi Capitals (DC) and had to be replaced by Suryavanshi in the playing XI. This was the second time when Samson's participation was affected after he played the first three games of the season as a specialist batter, coming in as an Impact Player, while recovering from a finger injury.

The 14-year-old Suryavanshi, who opened the innings with Yashasvi Jaiswal in Samson's absence, impressed from his very first match. The young left-hander smashed the first ball he faced in IPL for a six against Lucknow Super Giants and then hit a record 37-ball century against Gujarat Titans to announce himself in the league.

“Wanted to bowl first after how the pitch behaved in the last game against RCB. Let's see how it plays out today. I am okay, hundred percent fit," Samson said at the toss.

"[On Suryavanshi's batting position] I think if someone has done something extraordinary, you have to respect that no matter his age, I will bat down the order, I come in for Nitish Rana. [Kwena] Maphaka comes in for Jofra Archer,” added Samson.

Ganguly meets Vaibhav Suryavanshi, offers advice in Kolkata

Meanwhile, the Men in Pink have been eliminated from the IPL 2025 and have two more fixtures to end this year’s campaign. On the other hand, PBKS are firmly in the race to playoffs with 15 points and are currently third in the points table.

PBKS have two more fixtures - against Delhi Capitals (DC) on May 24 and Mumbai Indians (MI) on May 26. A win for PBKS against RR will secure their qualification for the playoffs and make them the first team to book a seat in the playoffs.