There’s never been any question about Sanju Samson’s talent. From the moment he burst onto the IPL stage, he has looked like a player destined for greatness—graceful strokeplay, effortless power, and calm leadership potential. But as the Rajasthan Royals captain gears up for another must-win clash tonight, the question isn’t about how good he can be. It’s about how often he actually is.
Samson’s inconsistency has been a defining trait throughout his IPL career, and 2025 is shaping up to be no different. He started the season with a commanding 66 off 37 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad, showing intent and timing at its best. Since then, his form has fluctuated—13 (11) against KKR, 20 (16) versus CSK, 38 (26) against PBKS, 41 (28) against GT, and a sluggish 15 (19) versus RCB.
The trend, however, isn’t new. Take IPL 2024, for instance: Samson scored 82*, 69, 68*, 71*, 86—outstanding knocks that proved his class—but they were scattered among single-digit or sub-20 scores. His match-by-match tally: 82*, 15, 12, 69, 68*, 18, 12, 38*, 71*, 0, 86, 15, 18.
The season before that, in 2023, the numbers tell a similar tale: 55, 42, 0, 0, 60, 2, 22, 17, 14, 30, 66*, 48*, 4, 2. It’s a frustrating pattern for fans and analysts alike—match-winning brilliance, followed by forgettable failures. And in a league as demanding and cutthroat as the IPL, such inconsistency becomes more than just a personal flaw—it affects team dynamics, campaign momentum, and even selection for bigger honours.
There is no questioning Samson’s ability—he’s one of the most elegant batters in India, capable of turning games in a session. But the broader concern is mental—does he struggle with pressure? Is there a mindset issue that stops him from stringing together consistent performances across a full season? Or is it a matter of intent, rhythm, or the burden of captaincy?
Tonight, against a red-hot Delhi Capitals who sit second on the points table with four wins out of five, Samson has a point to prove. RR, on the other hand, are stuck in eighth with just two wins from six, their season hanging by a thread. It’s a high-pressure game, and RR need their captain to lead from the front—not just a few eye-catching shots, but an innings of substance and control.
Which Sanju Samson will we see today—the leader who ignites his team’s charge, or the enigma who flatters to deceive? If Rajasthan Royals are to salvage their season, they’ll need more than flashes of brilliance from their captain. They’ll need consistency.