In the 18th Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 match, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) defeated the Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur. In the first innings, RR amassed an incredible 205/4 thanks to an outstanding batting performance. Yashasvi Jaiswal perfectly anchored the innings with a composed 67 off 45 balls, setting the tone. Then, Riyan Parag just went on to fly again, breezing past the RR's 200-run mark with a scoreless 43 in the last overs.

Chasing 206, Punjab Kings enjoyed a night to remember with the bat. Their innings began disastrously as Jofra Archer delivered a scorching opening spell, getting rid of Priyansh Arya and skipper Shreyas Iyer in the first over itself. PBKS was put on the back foot straight away after that initial shock. Required run rate rose even though Glenn Maxwell and Nehal Wadhera shared a solid 88-run partnership. Maxwell's dismissal on 49 proved to be the turning point, and the rest of the batting order could not ignite despite Wadhera's efforts. Punjab later settled on 155/9, 50 below the mark.

READ MORE:CSK coach Stephen Fleming breaks the silence on Ms Dhoni's retirement speculation

Though the result was already sealed, the strangest moment of the night occurred on the last ball of the match. Onlookers saw something odd about the Royals' fielding arrangement three fielders were within the 30-yard circle on the off-side, none on the leg-side. This was eyebrow-raising as it could be a breach of fielding rules, and the ball could be a potential no-ball.

To everyone's surprise, it was RR's own batter, Riyan Parag, who took the issue to the umpires. What followed was a lengthy stoppage in play as the match officials examined the fielding positions. The wait went on so long that RR skipper Sanju Samson sat down cross-legged on the field, patiently waiting for the decision.

Umpires Rule the Delivery Legal

The umpires, after some minutes of consultation, held that the fielding position was in accordance with the rules and upheld the delivery. The game concluded with Rajasthan clinching a comprehensive 50-run victory, but the incident created widespread controversy on social media and cricket platforms.

READ MORE: IPL 2025 Points Table, Purple Cap and Orange Cap after Punjab Kings (PBKS) vs. Rajasthan Royals (RR) match

The win puts the Rajasthan Royals in a stronger position in the points table as they keep their momentum going in IPL 2025. Since it was Punjab Kings' first defeat of the season, they will be eager to bounce back as soon as possible, especially by resolving their top-order problems. Despite the defeat, the peculiar last-ball confusion made sure that the game would be discussed for reasons other than the scoreboard.

In the 18th match of IPL 2025, Rajasthan Royals won against Punjab Kings by 50 runs. RR Batted first, Rajasthan put up a big total of 205 runs. Yashasvi Jaiswal scored 67 runs and captain Sanju Samson made 38 runs. The two gave their team a strong start. Later, Riyan Parag played a quick and powerful knock of 43 not out in just 25 balls, while Dhruv Jurel added 13 runs at the end.

In reply, Punjab Kings had a terrible start. Jofra Archer dismissed Priyansh Arya on the very first ball and also sent back captain Shreyas Iyer in the same over. Only Nehal Wadhera (62) and Glenn Maxwell (30) could score some runs, while the rest of the batters struggled. Archer took 3 wickets, and Sandeep Sharma and Theekshana got 2 each. Punjab could only reach 155/9. Rajasthan jumped to 7th place, while Punjab dropped to 4th.

ALSO READ: IPL 2025: Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals Match Highlights

Rajasthan Royals beat Punjab Kings by 50 runs

Sanju's captaincy
Jaiswal half century /op fielding
Jofra's comeback
Parag's runs
Thank you Rajasthan Royals
Thank you so much my beautiful franchise I love you , I love you from the core bottom of my heart 💗pic.twitter.com/saeOWQ8hNG

— kammo Ji (@Komolika_hu) April 5, 2025

Rajasthan Royals won and CSK lost. #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/80GQ4Zxr01

— आशिम (@ashim_purohit) April 5, 2025

Sidhu paaji commentary box mein Punjab ko jeetwa kar hi chhodne wale the 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/9PzDXvXcA2

— 𝗦𝗢𝗛𝗔𝗜𝗟⚔ (@iamsohail_1) April 5, 2025

You can do anything but the only one who will win is Rajasthan Royals.....🤣🤣🤣🤣#PBKSvsRR #RRvsPBKS pic.twitter.com/3Ch1pMpNVC

— 💘 Sunita Jorwal💘✨🚩 (@sainibrand7062) April 5, 2025

💀💀💀💀💀💀💀#RRvsPBKS #RRvPBKS #PBKSvsRR #PBKSvRR pic.twitter.com/seVXoEig9N

— chacha (@meme_kalakar) April 5, 2025

BIG BIG WIN - RJASTHAN ROYALS
Rajasthan Royals win the match with two wickets in two balls!First Glenn Maxwell, then Nehal Wadhera game over.

💪 Nehal Wadhera is leading #PBKS' fightback is Key take of this Match

Preity Zinta 😐#RRvsPBKSSome #PBKSvRR #Maxwell #RRvsPBKS… pic.twitter.com/af7mKFEbTE

— colourfulindia (@colourfulind) April 5, 2025

Yashaswi Ko form me laane ki koshish #RRvsPBKS pic.twitter.com/8XnHsMPt1V

— memes_hallabol (@memes_hallabol) April 5, 2025

A PBKS fan just recreated the famous pakistani meme 🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/HRN9dkOlHE

— ••TAUKIR•• (@iitaukir) April 5, 2025

pbks fans fighting us just for the team to end up playing like this against rr of all teams pic.twitter.com/FqaIpDKltF

— kamya (@charleschaos) April 5, 2025

Hard day guys 😢😢😢

Not our day .

Hope we read the conditions and get back the winning momentum at home 😢

Dear @RickyPonting hope you know what to do for us from here . 🥲💪💪💪

We believe you pic.twitter.com/EDdkdw1oh6

— BLACK SINGH (PBKS,TN ) 🔥❤️ (@PunjabPbksArmy) April 5, 2025

Aaru balls lo intha vidwamsam aah #PBKSvRR pic.twitter.com/WsPpzZRwEg

— mood swinger 🇮🇳 (@memes_disorder) April 5, 2025

The Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain, Sanju Samson, had a hopeful performance with the bat in the current IPL 2025 encounter against Punjab Kings (PBKS). The match is being contested at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, Chandigarh.

Back at the reins after being out of action for the first three games due to a finger injury, Samson was in good touch from the beginning. He paired magnificently with Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top of the order, adding an 89-run opening partnership. Though Jaiswal struggled to find his feet after some initial failures, Samson took the scoring by the reins, playing some divine shots around the park.

But before, it looked like he was setting himself up for a big knock. Samson was sent back for 38 off 26 balls. Lockie Ferguson bowled a quick, full-length ball on off-stump, and Samson tried to hit it over the infield. Sadly, he missed the timing, and the ball went to Shreyas Iyer at mid-off, and the RR captain had to return disappointed.

ALSO SEE: IPL 2025: Chennai Super Kings vs Delhi Capitals Match Highlights

Frustration Overflows After Lost Chance

Samson, who is usually known for his cool and calm demeanor on the field, displayed very unusual signs of frustration. He was noticed tossing his bat in the air after his dismissal, visibly angry at himself for being unable to turn the start into a larger score.

A timely wicket for #PBKS & Sanju's reaction says it all 🥲

Watch LIVE action ➡ https://t.co/Ydn8W1CxFx#IPLonJioStar 👉 #PBKSvRR | LIVE NOW on Star Sports Network & JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/Dz1bTMp0hU

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 5, 2025

ALSO SEE: Twitter reactions after Delhi Capitals third win of IPL 2025

Reports indicate that Samson's temper tantrum was a result of the pressure piling up following Jaiswal's struggles on the other side. Being the senior batsman and now also captain again, he felt an urge to open his innings in a hurry and took a shot in the hope, which saw him falling short.

This game also witnessed the comeback of Samson as captain after getting over an index finger injury. Absent from action, Riyan Parag captained the team and managed to win only one of the three matches. With the team now under his control once again, Samson will be looking to guide the Rajasthan Royals toward regular victories.

In a beautiful act that endeared fans, Rajasthan Royals released an emotional tribute video for veteran bowler Yuzvendra Chahal before their IPL 2025 match against Punjab Kings. The video was posted on RR's official social media accounts and went viral in no time, winning the hearts of cricket enthusiasts across the nation.

This video tribute commemorates the Royals' time spent with Chahal, including snippets of game-changing spells in matches, emotional dressing room situations, and his ever-determined on-field persona. The montage captures the best moments during his time with the franchise, from joining RR in 2022 to growing to arguably the most dependable spinner in the IPL.

enough said 💗💗 pic.twitter.com/7ovL94vPH4

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) April 5, 2025

Also Read: IPL 2025: MS Dhoni to retire today? Social Media erupts as legend's parents make unusual appearance during CSK vs DC game

The legendary leg spinner, who is never short of a smile and has a killer attitude out on the ground, has been Rajasthan's standout player. It is incredible to how he turns a game around using his quick leg-spin has only endeared him to fans as well as the team. People saw the tearful video as a tribute to his contribution to the team as well as an indication of the possibility of the biggest moment of his career so far.

Chahal's Impact and Fan Reactions

The Punjab Kings (PBKS) spinner has been among the IPL's most consistent performers throughout the years and is now among the league's leading wicket-takers. Ever since he joined Rajasthan Royals, he has been a key performer in the bowling unit of the team, performing consistently under pressure in key situations.

Also Read: NZ vs Pak: Floodlights at Bay Oval go off mid-match during third ODI

Supporters inundated social media with gratitude when the video went down, hashtagging their admiration with #ThankYouYuzi and #YuziMagic. While some people speculated if this was a farewell to Chahal's legacy, others have simply paid their respects with RR. Whatever the case, one thing we know for sure is that Chahal's significance to IPL and the Rajasthan Royals will be remembered and honored for many years.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is here with thrilling matches, and cricket fans are eagerly awaiting the Titans' battle between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Match 67. If you want to catch this match live from the stadium, continue reading for all the information you need to know about buying your tickets.

Match Details

Match: RR vs PBKS – Match 67
Date: May 16, 2025 (Friday)
Time: 7:30 PM IST
Venue: Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur

Squad:

Rajasthan Royals (RR)

Sanju Samson (Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Sandeep Sharma, Jofra Archer, Wainindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Akash Madhwal, Kumar Kartikeya Singh, Nitish Rana, Tushar Deshpande, Shubham Dubey, Yudhvir Charak, Fazal Farooqi, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Kwena Maphaka, Kunal Rathore, Ashok Sharma.

Punjab Kings (PBKS)

Shreyas Iyer (C), Nehal Wadhera, Vishnu Vinod, Josh Inglis, Harnoor Pannu, Harpreet Brar, Marcus Stonis, Glenn Maxwell, Shashank Singh, and Prabhsimran Singh Marco Jansen, Suryansh Shedge, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzevendra Chahal, Vyshak Vijay Kumar, Yash Thakur, Lockie Ferguson, Kuldeep Sen, Xavier Bartlett, Pravin Dubey, AARON Hardie, Musheer Khan, Pyla Avinash.

How to Purchase RR vs PBKS Tickets

IPL tickets are much sought after and hence need to be booked prior. Browse the below-specified different ways in which you can book tickets for this thrilling match:

1. Online Ticket Booking

a) Rajasthan Royals Official Website

• Visit the Rajasthan Royals Official Website.
• Click on the "Tickets" or "Match Schedule" option.
• Select the RR vs PBKS match.
• Make your seat class selection and pay.

b) BookMyShow

• Open BookMyShow website or app.
• Type in "IPL 2025" or "RR vs PBKS" under sports.
• Select the stadium and date.
• Select seats, enter payment details, and book.

c) Paytm Insider

• Open Paytm Insider (app or website).
• Search IPL 2025 tickets and select RR vs PBKS.
• Pay and receive e-ticket via email/SMS.

ALSO SEE: How to Buy RCB vs SRH Match 64 Tickets - IPL 2025

2. Offline Ticket Booking

If you're one of those who prefer buying tickets offline, it is feasible to visit the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur. Tickets are available a few days ahead but in limited quantities. Do look out for sale time from the official stadium notice.

Ticket Price for RR vs PBKS Match 67

Even though the prices will vary exactly, given below is an estimate based on previous IPL seasons:

Stand/CategoryApproximate Price (INR)

• General Stands: ₹800 to ₹1,500
• Premium Stands: ₹2,000 to ₹4,000
• Pavilion Terrace: ₹5,000 to ₹8,000
• Corporate Boxes: ₹12,000 to ₹25,000
• VIP & Hospitality Suites: ₹30,000 to ₹50,000

The ticket prices may increase based on demand, and hence pre-booking is suggested.

In a gripping encounter at Guwahati, Punjab Kings emerged victorious over Rajasthan Royals with a hard-fought five-wicket win. The skipper, Sam Curran, played a pivotal role in Punjab’s successful chase, showcasing composure with an unbeaten 63 runs, well-supported by Jitesh Sharma’s contribution of 22.

Sam Curran leads from the front with a match-winning knock for Punjab

Despite facing early setbacks, including the dismissals of openers Prabhsimran Singh and Jonny Bairstow, Punjab’s chase on a challenging pitch was anchored by Curran’s determined innings. Rajasthan Royals, batting first, struggled to build momentum, managing only 144 runs despite efforts from Riyan Parag and Ravichandran Ashwin to revive the innings with a 50-run partnership. Avesh Khan’s early breakthroughs and the spin duo of Yuzvendra Chahal and Ashwin kept Punjab’s chase in check, reducing them to 49/4 initially.

Avesh Khan and spin duo restrict Rajasthan Royals

However, Curran’s leadership and match-winning knock guided Punjab to victory with 1.1 overs to spare, reflecting his pre-match determination to play with pride. Despite glimpses of brilliance from Parag and Ashwin, Rajasthan’s inconsistent batting ultimately led to their defeat.

See Also: SRH set to continue playoff chase after extended break in IPL 2024

This crucial win for Punjab Kings keeps their hopes alive in the tournament as they continue to push for a playoff berth.

RR vs PBKS Match Preview

The 65th match of the IPL 2024 will feature the Rajasthan Royals taking on the Punjab Kings. The game will be held at Guwahati’s Barsapara Cricket Stadium and will begin at 7:30 PM IST on May 15. The two teams are positioned at opposite ends of the points table. The Rajasthan Royals are second with 16 points, while PBKS has been eliminated after losing eight of their twelve games. This is a critical match for RR because a win will secure a spot in Qualifier 1, where the winner will advance to the final and the loser will have another chance in the Eliminator.

RR vs PBKS Match Details

Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings – 65th Match

Venue: Barsapara Cricket Stadium – Guwahati

Date & Time: 15th April 2024 at 07:30 PM IST 

Live Streaming: Jio Cinema

RR vs PBKS Venue Stats

RR vs PBKS Pitch Report

The pitch at the Barsapara Stadium is generally flat and ideal for scoring runs. However, the new ball may move slightly, allowing spinners to gain grip and turn in the second innings. A score of 180 could be considered average here.

RR vs PBKS Weather Report

It will be a humid evening with temperatures hovering in the high 30s. The humidity will be 62%, and the wind speed will be 10 kilometers per hour. There is a 10% chance of rain.

RR vs PBKS Last Five Matches

RR vs PBKS Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: Watch: KL Rahul’s incredible juggling catch against DC

RR vs PBKS Probable Playing XIs:

Punjab Kings Probable Playing XIs

Jonny Bairstow (wk), Shikhar Dhawan (C), Prabhsimran Singh, Rilee Rossouw, Shashank Singh, Sam Curran, Ashutosh Sharma, Harshal Patel, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh, Vidhwath Kaverappa

Rajasthan Royals Probable Playing XIs

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tanush Kotian, Sanju Samson (c & wk), Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult, Avesh Khan, Sandeep Sharma, Yuzvendra Chahal

Topmost Picks for RR vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – Punjab Kings

• Shikhar Dhawan – Shikhar Dhawan would be raring to make an impact after missing most of PBKS’ matches this season due to injury.
• Harshal Patel –  Harshal Patel might leak a few runs but almost always gets important wickets for the team. With 20 wickets in 12 games, he is the joint highest wicket-taker in the tournament along with Jasprit Bumrah.

Top Picks – Rajasthan Royals

• Riyan Parag – Riyan Parag scored 47 on a tough Chepauk surface against CSK. Parag has been on fire in IPL and played a massive role in Royals juggernaut this season, scoring 483 runs.
• Sandeep Sharma – Sandeep Sharma has got the ball to swing both ways and picked clutch wickets with the new ball, something he would be expected to do against PBKS. Overall, he has taken 10 wickets in seven games so far.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for RR vs PBKS Dream11 Team:

Sanju Samson(C), Jonny Bairstow, Rilee Rossouw, Shashank Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sam Curran(VC), Riyan Parag, Harshal Patel, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh, Sandeep Sharma, Yuzvendra Chahal

Suggested Playing XI N0.2 for RR vs PBKS Dream11 Team:

Sanju Samson, Jonny Bairstow(VC), Rilee Rossouw, Shashank Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal(C), Sam Curran, Riyan Parag, Harshal Patel, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh, Ravichandran Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson

Vice-captain – Sam Curran, Jonny Bairstow

Wicketkeeper – Sanju Samson

RR vs PBKS Probable Winners:

There is a significant difference in quality between the two teams, with the Rajasthan Royals looking a little too strong for PBKS to win. Despite losing their previous three games, the Royals are well-positioned to win against PBKS. Considering the team combination, Rajasthan Royals is expected to win this match.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 has been a spectacle of cricketing prowess, showcasing thrilling matches and standout performances. As we progress through the season, the battles for the coveted Orange and Purple caps heat up, with players pushing their limits to climb the leaderboards.

Orange Cap Holder in IPL 2024

Virat Kohli, representing Royal Challengers Bangalore, has emerged as the front-runner with a remarkable total of 319 runs. His strategic approach and formidable batting have been key to his success. Following closely are Riyan Parag Riyan Parag of Rajasthan Royals scored 23 runs off 18 balls and is on the second spot with 284 runs in IPL 2024.

See Also: Rajasthan Royals beat Punjab Kings by 3 wickets; Points Table updated

Sanju Samson scored 18 runs, taking his tally to 264 runs, jumping to the 3rd spot now. Shubhman Gill took his overall tally to 255 runs in IPL 2024 but drops to 4th spot in the Orange Cap Holder List. Sai Sudarshan scored 35 runs off 29 balls and holds the fifth spot with 226 runs.

Most Runs in IPL 2024

Purple Cap Holder in IPL 2024

Yuzvendra Chahal of the Rajasthan Royals has claimed the top spot with 11 wickets. His precision and tactical acumen have been crucial for his team. Chahal’s journey to reclaim the Purple Cap is a testament to his resilience and expertise. His performances have been a blend of artistry and execution.

Jasprit Bumrah and Mustafizur Rahman are close behind, with their eyes set on the cap. Their next few matches are critical to their chances. Jasprit Bumrah is second with 10 wickets, Mustafizur Rahman is third with 9 wickets, and Khaleel Ahmed is fourth with 9 wickets. Kagiso Rabada took 2 wickets and jumps to the 5th spot now.

Most Wickets in IPL 2024

The Rajasthan Royals (RR) clinched a nail-biting victory against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a closely contested match on April 13, 2024, at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium. This intense battle, part of the Indian Premier League’s 2024 season, saw the Royals overcoming a modest target in a dramatic fashion, marking their fifth win of the season.

Match Summary

Facing a target of just 148 runs, the Rajasthan Royals managed a tense finish, securing victory by 3 wickets in the penultimate over of the match. Shimron Hetmyer emerged as the hero for RR, delivering a rapid 27 runs off 10 balls to steer his team to success.

See Also: Watch: Sanju Samson’s spectacular no look runout dismisses Liam Livingstone

Rajasthan Royals Performance

The Royals’ chase began solidly with openers Tanush Kotian and Yashasvi Jaiswal putting up a 56-run stand over 50 deliveries, setting a strong foundation for the innings. However, the dismissal of Kotian for 24 by Liam Livingstone sparked a sudden collapse. Subsequent batters, including the captain Sanju Samson, struggled to build on the early momentum, falling to precise bowling attacks from the Punjab Kings. Subsequently, captain Samson joined Jaiswal in the middle and the duo forged RR’s second partnership, contributing 26 runs off 20 balls before Kagiso Rabada claimed Jaiswal’s wicket in the 12th over. Harshal Patel, stationed at third man, took the catch to conclude Jaiswal’s innings at 39 runs off 28 balls.

RR encountered another setback when skipper Samson fell victim to a Sam Curran delivery in the 14th over, dismissed via LBW after adding 18 runs off 14 balls to RR’s total. With 49 runs required from the final 30 deliveries, the responsibility rested on the shoulders of wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel and Riyan Parag. Parag departed the field having contributed 23 runs from 18 deliveries.

Shimron Hetmyer Heroics

As the pressure mounted with 35 runs required off just 20 balls, Shimron Hetmyer entered the fray, narrowly escaping a dismissal following a caught-behind review. However, in the 18th over, his partnership with Jurel was broken as Shashank Singh held onto a catch off a delivery from Harshal Patel, ending Jurel’s innings at just 6 runs (off 11 balls)

Hetmyer slammed a boundary on the penultimate ball of the 18th over and followed it up with a maximum. Powell kicked off the next over with two consecutive boundaries. However, his aggressive stint was short-lived as Sam Curran dismissed him on the very next delivery after Powell had accumulated 11 runs from just 5 balls.

Two balls later, Curran claimed his second wicket by dismissing Keshav Maharaj. However, RR had the last laugh as Hetmyer slammed a maximum to seal a 3-wicket win for the visitors. The West Indies batter remained unbeaten at 27.

Ashutosh Sharma Heroics For PBKS

For Punjab, Ashutosh Sharma’s late-innings fireworks were vital, adding a respectable total to the scoreboard and setting a challenging target under tough conditions. Earlier, Ashutosh Sharma gave yet another exhibition of his incredible ball-striking ability in the death overs by making a 16-ball 31 to propel Punjab Kings to a respectable 147/8. For RR, Keshav Maharaj took 2-23 in an impressive middle-overs spell while Avesh Khan also had two scalps to his name. Yuzvendra Chahal, Trent Boult and Kuldeep Sen took a wicket each in a disciplined bowling performance for RR.

Points Table IPL 2024 after match 27

In the IPL 2024 season, Sanju Samson has not only continued to impress with his batting but has also turned heads with his exceptional skills behind the stumps. His recent performance against Punjab Kings, where he ensured Liam Livingstone’s runout, highlighted a pivotal moment not just for the Rajasthan Royals but for Samson’s career as a standout wicketkeeper.

The Signature Runout Against Punjab Kings

In a critical match moment, Samson executed a stunning run-out of Liam Livingstone, who was looking dangerous at 21 off 14 balls. The throw from debutant Tanush Kotian was off target, but Samson’s agility and presence of mind turned it into a match-defining moment, keeping Punjab under 150 runs.

See Also: IPL 2024: Mitchell Marsh returns to Australia after hamstring injury, check latest report

Evolution of His Wicket-keeping

Traditionally not viewed as an exceptional wicketkeeper, Samson has dramatically shifted this perception in IPL 2024. With five dismissals to his name already, including a standout runout that could be dubbed a “Dhoni-esque” moment, he has redefined his role in the team.

Samson’s Batting Brilliance

This year, Samson has averaged an impressive 82 at a strike rate of 157, making him the fourth-highest run-scorer so far. His consistent performance marks a significant upturn compared to previous seasons, where flashes of brilliance were often overshadowed by inconsistency.

Samson’s Technique and Training

Samson’s improvement is a testament to his rigorous training regime and the technological inputs from coaching staff. Special emphasis on agility drills and reflex training has enhanced his ability to execute quick stumpings and runouts.

Impact on Rajasthan Royals’ Strategy

Samson’s form and skills have allowed the Rajasthan Royals to strategize more aggressively, knowing they have both a reliable batsman and a sharp wicketkeeper. His role as a pivotal player in crunch situations has solidified this season.

Comparison with Legendary Wicket-keepers

While comparisons with MS Dhoni might be premature, Samson’s recent exploits hint at a potential to reach similar heights. His calm demeanor and sharp reflexes echo the qualities seen in legendary figures like Dhoni.