## Major Setback for RR: Star Bowler Out of IPL 2025 Due to Finger Fracture
Rajasthan Royals fast-bowler Sandeep Sharma has been sidelined for the remainder of the Indian Premier League 2025 after fracturing his finger. The team announced that they are currently working to find a suitable replacement, and an official announcement will be made soon. Sandeep sustained the injury during the match against Gujarat Titans, which RR won by eight wickets at Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Monday. In a statement released on Thursday, RR expressed admiration for Sandeep’s courage in continuing to bowl despite his injury and extended wishes for his swift recovery.
Even with the injury, Sandeep managed to finish his four-over spell, recording figures of 1-33. He achieved the best economy rate among RR bowlers that day at 8.25 and took the wicket of Washington Sundar, an off-spin all-rounder.
In ten matches this season, Sandeep, who was retained by the franchise last year for INR 4 crore, has taken nine wickets with an average of 40.11 and an economy rate of 9.89. His main duties included bowling during the middle and death overs.
For the upcoming match against Mumbai Indians at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Thursday, RR has brought in pacer Akash Madhwal, who will be making his debut for the franchise and also participating in his first game of the current tournament. Sandeep’s injury adds to the challenges facing RR, as they are already without regular captain Sanju Samson due to a side strain.
Additionally, RR will also be missing leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga for the game against MI due to a minor injury.
Currently, RR sits in eighth place on the points table with six points from ten games and must win all their remaining matches to keep their playoff hopes alive. However, this will not be an easy task against MI, who is on a five-match winning streak. A victory for MI on Thursday would allow them to overtake Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the top of the points table.
