Rajasthan Royals lost by just two runs in their last match against Lucknow Super Giants on April 19 in Jaipur. It was a big day for 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who made his IPL debut and became the youngest player in the tournament’s history. Their captain, Sanju Samson, missed the match because of an injury and is not expected to play in the next game in Bengaluru either.
Rajasthan Royals have landed in a fresh controversy during this IPL season. They’ve been accused of match-fixing in their game against Lucknow Super Giants. Rahul Dravid, who is currently the head coach of RR, now finds himself in the spotlight as well. The team hasn’t had a great run this season, they’re sitting in the eighth spot on the points table, with just two wins and six losses from eight matches, earning only four points so far.
RR Accused Of Match Fixing
While speaking to News18 Rajasthan, Jaideep Bihani, the convenor of the Rajasthan Cricket Association’s (RCA) ad hoc committee, made strong remarks against the Rajasthan Royals (RR), sparking fresh controversy by raising concerns that hinted at possible match-fixing.
Sri Ganganagar MLA Jaideep Bihani, who is also the convener of the ad hoc committee set up by the government for the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA), has raised several concerns and questions about the IPL.
His most shocking comment was about the Rajasthan Royals’ last match. He questioned how they could lose on their home ground when they needed just a few runs in the final over. Meanwhile, the BJP MLA also claimed that the franchise didn’t allow the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) to take part in managing the ongoing IPL 2025 season.
“The ad hoc committee has been appointed by the state government in Rajasthan. It has extended for a fifth time. We make sure all competitions take place without any issues. But then just as IPL came, the Zila Parishad (district council) took control of it. For IPL, the BCCI had first sent a letter to RCA only, not Zila Parishad. The excuse given by them and RR that we don’t have an MOU from Sawai Mansingh Stadium. If MOU is not there, so what? Aren’t you paying Zila Parishad for every match?” he said.
Sanju Samson to Miss Upcoming Match Against RCB Due to Injury
Sanju Samson will miss the upcoming game against RCB as he is still recovering from an abdominal injury he picked up while chasing runs against Delhi Capitals. RR said in a statement, “Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson is currently undergoing recovery and will remain at the team’s home base with select RR medical staff. As part of his ongoing rehab process, he will not be travelling to Bangalore for the upcoming match against RCB.”
LSG Hold Their Nerve, Defeat RR by 3 Runs in Thrilling Conclusion
Rajasthan Royals were chasing 181 runs and needed just 9 runs in the last over. Dhruv Jurel was on strike, and Shimron Hetmyer was at the other end. But the pressure got to them. On the third ball of the over, Avesh Khan dismissed Hetmyer, and RR still needed 6 runs from the last 3 balls. Avesh stayed calm and bowled tightly, giving away only 3 runs in those final deliveries. In the end, RR fell short and finished at 178/5 in their 20 overs.
ALSO READ: IPL 2025 Points Update: Gujarat Titans Dominate as KKR Slip to Seventh After Defeat
