IPL 2025: Sanju Samson Fined Rs 24 Lakh for Slow Over-Rate as Royals Collapse Against Titans
- Sanju Samson fined for second slow over-rate offense of the season
- Rajasthan Royals handed 58-run defeat by Gujarat Titans
- Questions arise over RR’s ability to chase big totals
- Impact player and playing XI members also penalized
Ahmedabad, April 10, 2025
The Rajasthan Royals’ woes deepened on Wednesday night as their skipper Sanju Samson was slapped with a Rs 24 lakh fine for a slow over-rate during their heavy 58-run loss to Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium. This marks RR’s second slow over-rate violation this IPL season.
The penalty comes under the IPL Code of Conduct, with all other members of the playing XI — including the Impact Player — fined Rs 6 lakh or 25% of their match fees, whichever is lower.
Earlier in the tournament, stand-in skipper Riyan Parag was fined Rs 12 lakh for a similar offense during RR’s match against Chennai Super Kings.
Outplayed in All Departments
It was a rough night for the Royals, who were set a target of 218 but crumbled for 159 in 19.2 overs, unable to withstand the pressure of chasing a massive total. Gujarat’s bowlers, clinical and composed, choked the RR batting lineup just when the Royals began to look threatening.
Speaking after the loss, Samson didn’t mince words.
“We gave away 15–20 extra runs while bowling. When we needed momentum with the bat, we lost wickets,” he told ESPNcricinfo.
Samson himself was in decent touch, scoring 41 off 28 with four boundaries and two sixes. His 48-run partnership with Riyan Parag offered a glimmer of hope before the collapse set in.
“With Hettie [Hetmyer], sixes and fours were coming. But I lost my wicket — and that’s where we lost the game,” Samson admitted.
What Went Wrong for RR?
RR looked like they had a plan — especially early with the ball. Jofra Archer struck early, removing Shubman Gill and giving Royals a solid start. But the execution faltered soon after.
“We planned something but they executed something else. We went off-plan. We’ll need to look at that tomorrow,” Samson said.
Despite having a strong record batting first this season, RR have struggled to chase under pressure, raising fresh questions about their versatility as a team.
“When you lose games, we also feel — should we have chased? Should we have done something else?” Samson reflected.
“We want to be a team that can win games while chasing, not just batting first.”
What’s Next for Rajasthan Royals?
This defeat marks a turning point in RR’s campaign, as they now enter a crucial stretch where momentum and mental strength will be key. With over-rate violations now piling up, discipline — both tactical and procedural — will be under scrutiny.
The franchise will need to regroup quickly, assess its chasing strategy, and find consistency in both batting and bowling execution.
Quick Recap: Rajasthan Royals vs Gujarat Titans
- GT 217/6 in 20 overs
- RR 159 all out in 19.2 overs
- Gujarat Titans win by 58 runs
- Sanju Samson fined Rs 24 lakh for slow over-rate
- All playing XI members, including Impact Player, fined
With pressure mounting and rivals rising, Rajasthan’s road ahead in IPL 2025 will depend on recalibrating their approach — both on the field and in the dugout.
Stay tuned to CricketPost for more IPL 2025 updates.
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