/popdiaries/media/media_files/2025/04/19/1XHOVeLwpO0Cnms6I7fq.jpg)
Sanju Samson is once again sidelined as Rajasthan Royals face Lucknow Super Giants in their IPL 2025 match in Jaipur on Saturday. Samson is unavailable due to an abdominal injury, prompting Riyan Parag to resume the captaincy role during his absence.
Meanwhile, 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi makes his IPL debut, having initially been named an Impact Substitute. LSG won the toss and chose to bat. He is opening the run-chase for RR in place of Samson. Suryavanshi partners with Yashasvi Jaiswal in the chase after LSG set a target of 180/5 in 20 overs. Suryavanshi also becomes the youngest player to ever play in IPL, thereby also the youngest-ever debutant in IPL history.
The left-handed batter celebrated his 14th birthday on March 27 and was acquired by RR for ₹1.1 crore during the mega auction last year, making him the youngest player to secure an IPL contract. He has represented India U-19 as an opener and garnered attention with a 58-ball century against Australia in a four-day match.
Additionally, he played a vital role for India in their journey to the 2024 Asia Cup final, scoring 176 runs at an average of 44. He has also achieved a triple century, scoring 332* in the Randhir Verma Tournament, which is an U-19 competition held in Bihar.