Sanju Samson sidelined for 5-6 weeks due to index finger fracture

Sanju Samson, the star wicketkeeper-batter, fractured his index finger after being struck by a fiery delivery from Jofra Archer during the fifth T20 International against England in Mumbai.

As a result, he will be sidelined for over a month, missing the upcoming Ranji Trophy quarterfinals.

Reports suggest that Samson has returned to his hometown, Thiruvananthapuram, where he will begin rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). He will only resume training once he receives clearance from the NCA.

"Samson has fractured his right index finger. It will take him five to six weeks before he can resume proper nets. So there is no chance of him playing the Ranji Trophy quarter-final for Kerala (vs J&K) in Pune from February 8-12," a BCCI source shared with PTI on condition of anonymity.

The source further added, "In all likelihood, his comeback will happen in the IPL for Rajasthan Royals."

Samson, who struggled during the series against England, was hit by Archer’s delivery at nearly 150 km/h. While he managed a six and a four afterward, the swelling on his finger worsened once he returned to the dugout, and scans later confirmed the fracture.

Samson’s poor performance against England followed a strong run against Bangladesh and South Africa, where he scored three centuries in seven games. Despite this, he was not selected for the Champions Trophy due to his absence in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

During the England series, the flamboyant Rajasthan Royals captain could only manage 51 runs in five games, with his highest score being 26 in the opening match at Eden Gardens. He struggled with deliveries from Archer, Mark Wood, and Saqib Mahmood and was dismissed early in most games.

With India not scheduled for any white-ball assignments after the Champions Trophy until late July, the 30-year-old Samson may have to wait until the away series against Bangladesh in August for his next opportunity.