IPL 2025: Sanju Samson Sparks Rift Rumors with Rajasthan Royals After Viral Super Over Video

Captain Seen Walking Away During Team Huddle; Nitish Rana’s Omission Adds Fuel to the Fire

New Delhi – A fresh controversy has erupted in the Rajasthan Royals camp after captain Sanju Samson was spotted walking away from the team huddle during the Super Over against Delhi Capitals, sparking speculation of a potential rift between Samson and the franchise management.

The incident, which unfolded during the intense IPL 2025 clash, was caught on camera and quickly went viral on social media. The Royals, despite matching Delhi’s 188-run total in regulation time, lost the match in the Super Over—and the team’s on-field dynamics are now under serious scrutiny.

Viral Video Raises Eyebrows

In the now-viral footage, Rajasthan Royals’ head coach Rahul Dravid and assistant coach Sairaj Bahutale were seen briefing the players during the Super Over strategy session. However, Sanju Samson stood silently and eventually walked away from the huddle without interacting with any teammates.

Observers noted that Samson appeared visibly frustrated or disengaged, fueling theories that internal disagreements may have played a role in the team’s puzzling Super Over tactics.

A Royals player was also seen attempting to speak to Samson before the captain walked off, further deepening fan speculation about tensions behind the scenes.

Nitish Rana Ignored Despite Stellar Knock

Adding to the controversy, the Royals excluded in-form batsman Nitish Rana from the Super Over lineup. Rana had earlier played a blistering 51 off 28 balls, yet the management chose Shimron Hetmyer and Riyan Parag, with Yashasvi Jaiswal sent in at No. 3.

The move raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike, who questioned why Rana was benched during such a high-stakes moment.

Rana Reacts: “Not a One-Person Decision”

Following the match, Nitish Rana addressed the controversy, stating that the decision to exclude him was not made by any one individual.

“It is never the decision of just one person. The management and support staff always discuss and decide these things,” Rana said in a post-match interview. “If the result had gone in our favour, the questions would have been different.”

Rana also defended the choice of sending Hetmyer into bat, noting that the West Indian has repeatedly delivered in crunch moments.

“Everyone knows Hetmyer is our finisher, and he has proved it many times,” he added.

Fan Reactions & What’s Next for Royals?

The incident has sparked a wave of speculation and concern among Rajasthan Royals supporters, many of whom are calling for clarity from the franchise on Sanju Samson’s status and role.

With the IPL season heating up and playoff contention on the line, Royals management may soon need to address the growing questions surrounding team harmony and strategic decisions.

Until then, all eyes will remain on Samson, the Royals’ dugout, and how the team responds in its upcoming matches.