IPL 2025: 3 Potential Replacements for Injured Sanju Samson in Rajasthan Royals Squad

Sanju Samson’s 2024 in T20 cricket was filled with highs and lows. He dominated in both IPL and international cricket, scoring 531 runs in IPL 2024 at an average of 48.27 with a strike rate of 153.46, his best season yet. He also notched up three T20I centuries. However, his form dipped in the recent T20I series against England, and he ended the tour with a thumb injury sustained in the final match at Wankhede.

Due to the injury, Samson did not take the field in the second innings, and Dhruv Jurel kept wickets for India. The extent of his injury is still unknown, but if it turns out to be serious and he is ruled out of IPL 2025, Rajasthan Royals (RR) will have to find a replacement.

The inaugural season champions is heading into IPL 2025 with just six overseas players, leaving two vacant slots, which they can fill by signing replacements during the tournament. Here are three possible options RR could consider if Samson is unavailable.

1. Jonny Bairstow

The English wicketkeeper-batter Jonny Bairstow set his base price at INR 2 crore for the IPL 2025 mega auction but surprisingly went unsold. Though he has been inconsistent in recent times, his explosive batting ability still makes him a strong contender.

Bairstow recently impressed in the SA20 while playing for Joburg Super Kings. In IPL 2024, he represented Punjab Kings, scoring 298 runs in 11 matches at a strike rate of 152.82. He also smashed a century, finishing with 33 fours and 14 sixes. His ability to accelerate and play match-winning knocks makes him a viable replacement for Samson. If RR needs an experienced overseas wicketkeeper-batter, Bairstow could be their go-to option.

2. Finn Allen

One of the biggest surprises of the IPL 2025 mega auction was New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Finn Allen going unsold. Known for his explosive batting, he had set his base price at INR 2 crore but did not find any buyers.

Allen showcased his firepower in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2024-25 while representing Perth Scorchers, scoring 181 runs in 10 matches at a staggering strike rate of 184. His aggressive approach at the top order makes him a perfect fit for Rajasthan Royals, who prefer attacking batsmen in their lineup.

If Samson is ruled out, RR might consider Allen as a replacement to maintain their aggressive batting approach.

3. Tom Banton

Like Bairstow and Allen, English wicketkeeper-batter Tom Banton also went unsold in the IPL 2025 mega auction after setting his base price at INR 2 crore. However, his recent performances in franchise cricket have been outstanding.

Playing for MI Emirates in ILT20 2025, Banton scored 464 runs in 10 matches at a strike rate of 154 and an average of 58. His performances included two quickfire centuries, along with three half-centuries.

Banton’s ability to bat aggressively at the top makes him a strong contender if RR needs a wicketkeeper-batsman to replace Samson.