SRH vs RR: Sanju Samson as Impact Player, Jofra Archer Returns After 4 Years
What a thrilling start to IPL 2025! Rajasthan Royals are making headlines as they take on Sunrisers Hyderabad in a high-stakes clash, and there’s plenty to talk about. The biggest news? Sanju Samson is stepping in as Rajasthan Royals’ impact player while Jofra Archer makes a long-awaited return to the franchise after four years!
Sanju Samson, who has been an instrumental force for the Royals, will be playing purely as a batter for the first three games due to a finger injury. With Riyan Parag taking over as captain during this period, Samson is expected to open alongside the explosive Yashasvi Jaiswal. The talented wicketkeeper-batter had a phenomenal 2024 season, scoring 531 runs in 16 matches, and his form continued in international cricket. This will also be the first time he plays under the impact player rule, a move that adds an exciting dimension to the Royals’ strategy.
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But let’s talk about the big comeback – Jofra Archer! The English pacer, who was a key part of Rajasthan’s bowling attack in his earlier stint, is back in the pink jersey after four seasons. Archer was released by Rajasthan ahead of the 2022 mega auction and later picked up by Mumbai Indians, where he struggled with injuries and form. Now, bought back for a whopping 12.50 crore rupees, Archer is expected to fill the void left by Trent Boult and bring his fiery pace back to the Royals’ attack.
Rajasthan Royals won the toss and opted to bowl first against a strong SRH lineup featuring Travis Head, Ishan Kishan, and Heinrich Klaasen. Along with Archer, RR’s foreign players for the match include Maheesh Theekshana, Shimron Hetmyer, and Fazalhaq Farooqi.
On the other side, Sunrisers Hyderabad delivered an absolute masterclass with the bat, posting a mammoth 286/6 in 20 overs. The highlight? Ishan Kishan’s historic 45-ball century! The left-hander, who was snubbed from BCCI’s central contracts last year, made a resounding statement with a breathtaking 106* off just 47 balls. Travis Head also played a crucial role, hammering 67 off 31 deliveries.
For Rajasthan, it was a forgettable day for their bowlers, especially Jofra Archer, who had a nightmare return, conceding 76 runs in four overs – the worst bowling figures in IPL history. With such a massive total to chase, RR put up a fight but ultimately fell short by 44 runs, finishing at 242/6.
This match had everything – stunning individual performances, emotional comebacks, and a record-breaking knock. With IPL 2025 off to a roaring start, fans can expect even more fireworks in the coming games. Stay tuned because this season is just getting started!
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