Sanju Samson Considers Handing Over Wicketkeeping Duties to Dhruv Jurel in IPL 2025

Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain Sanju Samson is contemplating stepping away from wicketkeeping duties for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. Retained by the Royals for ₹18 crore, Samson has expressed his openness to sharing or passing on the wicketkeeping responsibilities to young talent Dhruv Jurel, who has been recently recognized as India’s second-choice Test wicketkeeper.

In a candid chat on AB de Villiers’ YouTube channel, Samson elaborated on his discussions with Jurel regarding the possibility of this transition. Jurel, eager to gain more experience behind the stumps, is being considered for the role, especially after his impressive elevation to the Indian Test squad.

“I have not said this on air, but we feel where Dhruv Jurel is at this point of his career as a Test wicket-keeper, he needs to wear the gloves in the IPL,” said Samson. “That was a discussion. I think we will be sharing gloves. I have never captained as a fielder. That might be challenging. I have told him, ‘Dhruv, I understand where you are coming from, and I think as a leader of the team, you should also keep for a few games.’ We will see how to play around with that, but nothing should come before the team. The team should come first, and the individual must be given importance.”

Jurel’s Journey:
Dhruv Jurel made his Test debut earlier this year during a home series against England. Despite his promising start, he has found limited opportunities in the ongoing series against Australia, especially with Rishabh Pant returning to full fitness. While Jurel featured in the first Test in Perth alongside Pant, he was benched for the subsequent matches in Adelaide and Brisbane. Unless injuries come into play, his involvement in the remainder of the series seems unlikely.

The Rajasthan Royals’ Squad:
The Royals have assembled a balanced squad for IPL 2025, blending experienced campaigners with young talent. Key players include Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shimron Hetmyer, and Jofra Archer (₹12.50 crore). The squad also features exciting acquisitions like Maheesh Theekshana (₹4.4 crore), Wanindu Hasaranga (₹5.25 crore), and Tushar Deshpande (₹6.50 crore). Emerging players such as Kumar Kartikeya, Akash Madhwal, and Kwena Maphaka add depth to the lineup.

Looking Ahead:
Samson’s potential shift to a fielding role will mark a new challenge in his captaincy career. Balancing Jurel’s development as a wicketkeeper with team dynamics will be crucial for the Royals as they aim to make a strong impact in IPL 2025. With Samson’s leadership and the squad’s depth, RR looks poised for an exciting season ahead.