Rajasthan Royals in Turmoil? Rahul Dravid Quashes Rumors of Rift with Sanju Samson
In a dramatic turn of events off the field, Rajasthan Royals head coach Rahul Dravid has come forward to dismiss swirling rumors of discord with team captain Sanju Samson. The speculations, which threatened to overshadow the team’s campaign in IPL 2025, have been labeled as ‘baseless’ by the former Indian captain, as he emphasized the unwavering unity within the squad.
The controversy erupted following a viral video from the Royals’ thrilling encounter against Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday. Captured just moments before a tense Super Over against Kolkata Knight Riders, the footage showcased Dravid in an intense discussion with support staff and key players over batting choices against the fearsome Mitchell Starc. As the group brainstormed, a player gestured toward Samson, who was nearby, to join the huddle. However, the captain nonchalantly declined, choosing to stay on the sidelines—a moment that set social media abuzz with wild theories.
Fans and armchair analysts were quick to interpret Samson’s actions as a sign of disconnection or, worse, a fracture in leadership. Some speculated that Samson’s captaincy might be under threat, while others spun fantastical yarns about a potential switch to Chennai Super Kings—a rumor as improbable as it was sensational. The video amassed over 2 million views within hours, turning a fleeting moment into a full-blown narrative of internal strife.
Addressing the elephant in the room during a press conference on Friday, Dravid was unequivocal in his stance. ‘I have no idea where these reports are coming from. Sanju and I are on the same page,’ he asserted with characteristic calm. ‘He’s an integral part of our setup and is deeply involved in every tactical discussion and decision-making process. Losses often invite scrutiny, and while criticism of performance is fair, these baseless rumors are beyond our control. I’m proud of the team spirit and the effort these players put in—something outsiders often fail to see. The disappointment of underperformance cuts deep for every member of this squad.’
Dravid’s words aim to redirect focus to where it belongs—on the pitch. With the Royals still in contention for a playoff spot, their immediate challenge lies in a must-win clash against Lucknow Super Giants on Saturday evening at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. Coming off a heart-wrenching loss in Delhi, where they fell short by just 3 runs in a high-scoring thriller, the team will be eager to regroup and reclaim their momentum. Historically, RR holds a slight edge over LSG, having won 3 out of 5 encounters in past IPL seasons, a stat that could boost their confidence.
As the IPL 2025 season heats up, the Royals will hope to bury off-field distractions and let their performances do the talking. Under Samson’s leadership, the team has shown flashes of brilliance, with the young captain amassing over 400 runs this season at a strike rate of 150+. With Dravid’s steady hand guiding them, the Pink Brigade remains a formidable force. Will they silence the doubters with a statement win this weekend? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear—rumors of a rift won’t derail this determined unit just yet.