Indian cricketer Sanju Samson has suffered a setback after fracturing his right index finger during the fifth T20 International against England. The injury occurred when a rising delivery from Jofra Archer struck his finger, leading to swelling and discomfort. Despite the pain, Samson continued to bat, contributing 16 runs off seven balls before being replaced behind the stumps by Dhruv Jurel.
Medical assessments have confirmed the fracture, and Samson is expected to be sidelined for five to six weeks. This timeline indicates he will miss the upcoming Ranji Trophy quarterfinal match between Kerala and Jammu & Kashmir, scheduled from February 8 to 12.
Following the injury, Samson has returned to his home in Thiruvananthapuram. He will undergo rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) before resuming training. The BCCI source mentioned that his return to competitive cricket is anticipated during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, where he plays for Rajasthan Royals.
This injury comes at a challenging time for Samson, who had been in strong form prior to the series against England, having scored three centuries in his last seven matches. However, he faced difficulties in the recent T20 series, managing only 51 runs across five innings. The injury further compounds his challenges, as he was also excluded from the Champions Trophy squad.
Samson’s absence is a significant blow to both Kerala and Rajasthan Royals. His dynamic batting and wicketkeeping skills have been pivotal for both teams. Fans and teammates alike will be hoping for a swift recovery, allowing him to return to action and continue his contributions to Indian cricket.