‘Hyderabad loves Sanju Samson’: RR drops playful video ahead of IPL clash with SRH | WATCH

Hyderabad: Rajasthan Royals (RR) sparked excitement ahead of their IPL 2025 clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by sharing a playful video showcasing Hyderabad’s affection for Sanju Samson. The video, posted on RR’s social media platforms, captures Hyderabad locals expressing their admiration for the Malayali cricketer. Following this, multiple videos surfaced online, showing SRH fans chanting Samson’s name, highlighting his immense popularity even among rival team supporters.

Meanwhile, Samson, who is yet to recover from a right index finger injury sustained during the England series, admitted that missing the first three IPL matches of the season feels unusual. However, he expressed confidence in stand-in skipper Riyan Parag to lead RR effectively in his absence.

"I have never missed a game as a complete player. Coming into the season not fully fit feels a bit different. But the team looks good. We are also happy to have Rahul Dravid back with us," Samson said on the eve of the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Samson’s injury means he will not be able to keep wickets or field, though he can bat with protection on his finger. He is expected to be utilized as an Impact Player. In his absence, Riyan Parag will captain RR for the first three matches.

The 2016 champions SRH appear to have a stronger lineup than RR, who have also lost key player Jos Buttler. However, RR still boasts the firepower of Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Rana, and Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Last season, Sunrisers Hyderabad won both encounters against Rajasthan Royals and will aim to continue their dominance.

Squads:

Sunrisers Hyderabad: Pat Cummins (c), Travis Head, Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen, Abhishek Sharma, Sachin Baby, Mohammed Shami, Adam Zampa, Aniket Verma, Abhinav Manohar, Rahul Chahar, Eshan Malinga, Harshal Patel, Kamindu Mendis, Wiaan Mulder, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Atharva Taide, Brydon Carse, Simarjeet Singh, Jaydev Unadkat, Zeeshan Ansari.

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