IPL 2025: Samson Travels to Bengaluru for CoE Approval to Keep Wickets

Synopsis

Sanju Samson has journeyed to Bengaluru from Guwahati to seek the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Centre of Excellence's approval for resuming wicketkeeping duties in IPL 2025. He aims to reclaim his captaincy after recovering from an injury.

Key Takeaways

Sanju Samson flew to Bengaluru for BCCI CoE approval.
He has played as a batter while Riyan Parag captained.
Samson needs testing to resume wicketkeeping.
He plans to return as captain if cleared.
The Royals secured a win against Chennai Super Kings.

New Delhi, March 31 (NationPress) Sanju Samson traveled to Bengaluru from Guwahati on Monday to obtain approval from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Centre of Excellence (CoE) to resume his role as a wicketkeeper in the ongoing IPL 2025 season.

So far in the tournament, Samson has participated solely as a batter, entering the match as an impact substitute while Riyan Parag captained the franchise. The wicketkeeper-batter was given a temporary permit to play in the current IPL following a surgical procedure on his right index finger.

According to Cricbuzz, he will undergo evaluations by the Sport Science department at the CoE to seek permission to take on his full responsibilities. If he receives the green light to keep wickets, Samson will also reclaim his position as captain.

For the initial three matches of the season, Samson delegated the captaincy to Parag after confirming that he would participate only as a batter during that time. With his thumb fully healed, Samson is anticipated to resume wicketkeeping duties and lead the team in Rajasthan's upcoming match.

A source indicated, “He will request clearance for the remaining matches and is expected to return as captain for RR’s next game, which is about a week away.”

In the three matches he has played thus far, Samson recorded scores of 66 (against SRH), 13 (against KKR), and 20 (against CSK). During his absence, Dhruv Jurel has taken over the wicketkeeping role for the team.

The Royals have had a fluctuating start to their IPL campaign, losing their first two matches before achieving victory against Chennai Super Kings in Guwahati on Sunday night.

Their next match is scheduled to be an away game against Punjab Kings on April 5, followed by another away fixture against Gujarat Titans in Ahemdabad on April 9. The team will then return to their home ground in Jaipur to face Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 13.