Rajasthan Royals head coach Rahul Dravid has firmly dismissed rumours of any rift between him and captain Sanju Samson, describing the speculation as “baseless” and emphasising the team’s unity in their quest for IPL 2025 success.
The rumours gained traction after a video from Wednesday’s thrilling match against Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium went viral.
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In the clip, recorded just moments before the Super Over against Kolkata Knight Riders, Dravid was seen engaged in discussion with support staff and select players.
As they debated which batters should face Mitchell Starc, one player gestured for Samson, who was nearby, to join in. However, the captain casually declined and remained apart from the group.
The footage sparked widespread speculation online, with fans interpreting it as a sign of disconnection. Some even suggested that Samson’s leadership might be in jeopardy, while others entertained outlandish theories about a possible move to Chennai Super Kings.
Dravid’s Response
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Addressing the rumours, Dravid made his position clear at a press conference.
“I don’t know where these reports are coming from. Sanju and I are on the same page,” he stated during a press conference on Friday.
“He’s an integral part of our team and is involved in every decision and discussion. Sometimes when we lose and things don’t go as planned, we face criticism for our performances, but we can’t do anything about these baseless rumors. The team’s spirit is strong, and I’m impressed with the effort these players put in. What many don’t realise is how deeply players feel when they underperform.”
With the Royals still in the hunt for a playoff spot, attention will soon return to on-field matters.
They are set to face Lucknow Super Giants in a crucial match on Saturday evening as they aim to bounce back after a tough defeat in Delhi.
Get the latest IPL 2025 updates on Times of India, including match schedules, team squads, points table and IPL live score for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR. Don’t miss the list of players in the race for IPL Orange Cap and IPL Purple cap.
