Rajasthan Royals face dilemma with Sanju Samson
During the season, there were rumours that not all is well between the RR management and Samson. Head coach Rahul Dravid even had to clarify that he and the captain 'were on the same page' and that he was 'an integral part of the team'. Royals had faced significant backlash from fans following the rumours of discord between head coach and captain.
Samson has a long-standing association with the Royals, starting his journey in 2013 as an 18-year-old prodigy. He Interestingly, debuted under Drvaid, who was the captain of the team back the. The batterclinched the Emerging Player award with 206 runs and six stumpings. 12 years down the line, Samson has become RR's most capped player (149 matches) and top run-scorer (4027 runs), with three centuries.Samson had a brief stint with Delhi Daredevils (2016–17), once again under the coaching eyes of Dravid when Royals were suspended. He, however, returned to lead RR from 2021, guiding them to the IPL 2022 final and a 2024 playoff berth, where he amassed 531 runs.
Kolkata Knight Riders, who need an Indian wicketkeeper and a top order batter, are also circling, but Samson's personal preference, could be Chennai Super Kings (CSK), TOI reported citing sources.
With Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Suryavanshi already in the squad, RR could let go Samson bolster their middle order. The team also has Dhruv Jurel for wicketkeeping. However, it will be intriguing to see who steps up to lead the team if Samson parts ways.Last season, Riyan Parag captained the side for a few matches but his inexperience was evident. With a pool of youngsters like Jaiswal and Jurel to choose from, the franchise will need to weigh its options carefully as it navigates this transition.
The Jaipur-based franchise has almost two months to take a call, since the IPL trade window and the deadline to release players is usually open until November.
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Hindustan Times
29 minutes ago
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Mohammed Siraj enjoys his break after Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, pacer posts candid photos with stunning car
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News18
39 minutes ago
- News18
Understanding Mohammed Siraj: 'There Was A Time He Had Nothing, So Cricket Became Life And Death'
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He's an inspiration. In Hyderabad, we tell everyone khelenge koodenge toh honge nawab. We tell everyone to sleep on time, eat on time. What do the boys say? 'Yes, sir, I will,' but they don't, and remain busy with their phones. Siraj has known from the start how he's supposed to bowl and bring consistency into the nets. When you give him some extra responsibility, he adjusts his game accordingly. top videos View all Cricket is his bread and butter. Cricket is his life. It's life and death for him. So there is no other option. He has spent a lot of time playing cricket, and he has worked hard from a very young age, elevating himself from so many problems. There was a time he had nothing; today, he has got everything from cricket. We want Siraj to go to the top and progress, and he should get a lot of success in his personal life as well. Along with that, I would also like to say that he should look after those who were his friends. Not financially – financially doesn't matter – but people just yearn for love. You should give them some time, keep them in mind. Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Get latest Cricket news, live score and match results on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : England cricket team From the press box India vs England 2025 Indian cricket team jasprit bumrah Mohammed Siraj view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: August 16, 2025, 21:50 IST News cricket Understanding Mohammed Siraj: 'There Was A Time He Had Nothing, So Cricket Became Life And Death' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
an hour ago
- News18
ISL Clubs Warn AIFF Of Possible Shutdown If Impasse Continues: 'Over Past 11 Years...'
Last Updated: Eleven ISL clubs warned AIFF of potential shutdowns due to the unresolved Master Rights Agreement with FSDL, impacting Indian football, livelihoods, and international readiness. Eleven Indian Super League (ISL) clubs have warned the All India Football Federation (AIFF) that they 'face the real possibility of shutting down entirely" if the ongoing impasse regarding the future of the top-tier domestic competition is not resolved soon. In a letter written to AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey, the clubs stated that the crisis arising from the non-renewal of the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between the national federation and the ISL organisers, FSDL, has 'paralysed professional football in India". What Did ISL Clubs Write In Letter To AIFF? 'Over past 11 years, through sustained investment and coordinated effort, clubs have built youth development systems, training infrastructure, community outreach programmes, and professional teams that have elevated India's footballing credibility both domestically and internationally," the clubs wrote in the letter sent on Friday. 'This progress is now in imminent danger of collapse. The current standstill has created immediate and severe consequences. With operations suspended and no certainty on league continuity, several clubs face the real possibility of shutting down entirely." The crisis surfaced after Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), the ISL organisers as well as AIFF's commercial partner, put the 2025-26 season 'on hold" on July 11 due to uncertainty over the renewal of the MRA, prompting at least three clubs to either pause first-team operations or suspend player and staff salaries. 'The 2025-26 ISL season is at risk of not taking place at all. This is not merely an administrative deadlock — it is an existential crisis for Indian football. We write to you in the gravest of circumstances," the clubs wrote. 'The trust painstakingly built with fans, sponsors, investors, and international footballing bodies over the past decade will be irreparably damaged if the league remains in limbo." The letter was signed by Bengaluru FC, Hyderabad FC, Odisha FC, Chennaiyin FC, Jamshedpur FC, FC Goa, Kerala Blasters FC, Punjab FC, NorthEast United FC, Mumbai City FC, and Mohammedan Sporting. Kolkata heavyweights Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal did not sign the letter. Detailing the risk of club closures and livelihood loss, the letter stated, 'More than 2,000 direct livelihoods — players, coaches, medical staff, analysts, kit managers, groundsmen, administrative staff — hang in the balance, alongside countless indirect livelihoods dependent on the league. 'Clubs face a season where revenue from tickets, merchandise and other avenues will be reduced to zero. Potential sponsors have already started backing out, looking at the scenario that the ISL is in. 'This is a huge financial blow that clubs will not recover from this year and it will affect payout of salaries to players and staff in the immediate future, besides making several stakeholders contemplate a complete and permanent shut-down of their respective clubs." The clubs said the impasse will also impact India's readiness for international matches, stating 'without a functioning league, our national team will be severely disadvantaged in upcoming AFC and FIFA tournaments". They also mentioned that without the ISL, they will not be able to play a minimum number of competitive matches for participation in continental competitions, thereby risking suspension of Indian clubs from AFC tournaments. 'The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) mandates a minimum number of competitive matches for participation in continental competitions. Without ISL, this requirement cannot be met, putting India at risk of suspension from all AFC and FIFA tournaments," the clubs said. 'FIFPRO, the global players' union, has already apprised FIFA of the situation, increasing the likelihood of external scrutiny and possible sanctions." On Thursday, the AIFF agreed to mention the ongoing issue concerning the ISL before the Supreme Court on Monday. The apex court has reserved its judgement in the case relating to the draft constitution of the AIFF. The decision to apprise the SC of the crisis situation was taken after a meeting of the legal representatives of the clubs and the AIFF. A reliable source said that the AIFF is willing to file a written application if the Supreme Court asks for one. 'We fully appreciate that related matters are before the Hon'ble Supreme Court. However, from the record of recent hearings, it appears that the immediacy and scale of the crisis have not been clearly conveyed to the Hon'ble Court," the clubs said. 'The human cost, the threat of clubs folding, the risk of losing our place in AFC/FIFA competitions, and the reputational harm to India's footballing image demand urgent action on our part. 'We therefore respectfully request the AIFF, as the regulator of Indian football, to urgently mention this matter before the Hon'ble Supreme Court on Monday, 18 August 2025, and to append this letter to present the unified concerns of all ISL clubs before the Hon'ble Court." The clubs said they are ready to support the AIFF in the case through their counsels, though they are not parties to the proceedings before the SC. 'Immediate collective action is the only way to preserve Indian football's future, safeguard livelihoods, and protect the country's standing in the global football community. We remain committed to working alongside the AIFF to achieve a resolution." (With inputs from PTI) About the Author Sports Desk A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you live updates, breaking news, opinions and photos from the wide world of sport. Follow @News18Sports Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. News18 Sports brings you the latest updates, live commentary, and highlights from cricket, football, tennis, badmintion, wwe and more. Catch breaking news, live scores, and in-depth coverage. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : aiff indian super league view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: August 16, 2025, 21:32 IST News sports ISL Clubs Warn AIFF Of Possible Shutdown If Impasse Continues: 'Over Past 11 Years...' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
