India, May 18 -- Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson will not be opening the batting for the franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 fixture against Punjab Kings at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. The right-handed batter made his return from an injury but decided to sacrifice his batting slot for the 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who set the stage on fire with his whirlwind 35-ball century against Gujarat Titans.

While speaking at the toss, Samson explained that Suryavanshi has been performing extremely well; hence, it will be unfair for him to take his slot as an opener. The Rajasthan Royals captain will bat lower down the order, most probably at No.3.

Samson was RR's designated opener, however, his injury against ...