It is now known that the BCCI has not yet sanctioned Sanju Samson to fully play for Rajasthan Royals in the 2025 Indian Premier League. They have asked him not to play as a wicketkeeper for his IPL franchise and he will also only be able to play as an impact sub in the first three matches.
As a result, Riyan Parag has been made the captain of Rajasthan Royals for the first three matches. Sanju Samson, who is currently undergoing rehabilitation at Bengaluru’s Centre of Excellence, usually opens for Rajasthan Royals. In his absence, someone will have to take up that spot to open the innings for the Rajasthan Royals alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Thus, here are three such players who can open for Rajasthan Royals in Sanju Samson’s absence.
1. Nitish Rana
Nitish Rana has mostly been a middle-order batsman throughout his IPL career. However, he is pretty adaptive and has no problem in moving up the order to open the innings when required. Back in his days at Mumbai Indians, Rana was mostly a middle order batsman. However, his prowess as an opener was tested a few times when he moved to Kolkata Knight Riders where his skills as a batter were tested even further. For the longest period, Nitish Rana has been a very important player for the Kolkata Knight Riders. He can definitely open for Rajasthan Royals as well.
2. Shubham Dubey
Shubam Dubey is another player who can easily replace Sanju Samson as RR’s opener. He is usually known for his aggressive strokeplay and might give a great start to Rajasthan alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. The only problem is that it will be a left-hand-left-hand combination in that case. He usually plays as a middle-order batsman for Vidarbha.
3. Dhruv Jurel
Dhruv Jurel is the batter who will be replacing Sanju Samson as Rajasthan Royals’ wicketkeeper in his absence. Thus, it is only fitting that he can replace him in the opening position as well. Although Jurel usually plays as a lower middle order batter, it will be interesting to try him out as an opener as it leaves Nitish Rana and Shubham Dubey free in their usual roles who can then come in to play crucial knocks for Rajasthan.
