Sanju Samson vs Ajinkya Rahane: Rajasthan Royals (RR) prepare to face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2025, and two experienced Indian batters will be in focus—Sanju Samson and Ajinkya Rahane. Both right-handed batsmen bring a wealth of experience, but their playing styles and roles differ significantly. Here’s an in-depth comparison of their IPL careers.
Overall IPL Career Comparison
| Statistic | Sanju Samson (RR) | Ajinkya Rahane (KKR) |
|---|---|---|
| Matches Played | 169 | 186 |
| Innings Batted | 164 | 172 |
| Runs Scored | 4,485 | 4,698 |
| Batting Average | 30.93 | 30.31 |
| Strike Rate | 139.42 | 123.89 |
| Highest Score | 119 | 105* |
| 50s/100s | 26 / 3 | 31 / 2 |
| Ducks | 11 | 13 |
| Fours Hit | 359 | 484 |
| Sixes Hit | 210 | 107 |
| Balls Faced | 3,217 | 3,792 |
Key Takeaways:
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Sanju Samson has a more aggressive approach, reflected in his superior strike rate (139.42 vs. 123.89) and six-hitting ability.
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Ajinkya Rahane has a higher total run count and more fours, showcasing his classical stroke play.
Batting Style & Role
| Attribute | Sanju Samson (RR) | Ajinkya Rahane (KKR) |
|---|---|---|
| Playing Role | Wicketkeeper-Batsman | Top-Order Batsman |
| Batting Position | Middle Order (3-5) | Opener or No. 3 |
| Strengths | Power-hitting, Finishing | Anchoring innings, Timing |
| Weaknesses | Inconsistency, Shot Selection | Strike rate in T20 format |
Analysis:
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Sanju Samson is a more aggressive player who thrives in the middle order and can change the game with explosive hitting.
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Ajinkya Rahane plays a more traditional, anchor-style role, often opening or batting at No. 3 to provide stability.
Captaincy Record
| Statistic | Sanju Samson (RR) | Ajinkya Rahane (KKR) |
|---|---|---|
| Matches as Captain | 61 | 26 |
| Wins | 31 | 9 |
| Losses | 29 | 17 |
| Toss Win % | 54.10% | 57.69% |
Key Insights:
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Sanju Samson has led RR in significantly more matches, with a balanced win-loss record.
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Ajinkya Rahane, while a respected leader, has captained fewer games with a lower win percentage.
Fielding & Wicketkeeping
| Fielding Stat | Sanju Samson (RR) | Ajinkya Rahane (KKR) |
|---|---|---|
| Catches Taken | 82 | 71 |
| Most Catches in a Match | 3 | 2 |
| Stumpings (as WK) | 16 | N/A |
Analysis:
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Sanju Samson has an added advantage as a wicketkeeper, contributing to dismissals through catches and stumpings.
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Ajinkya Rahane, though not a keeper, is a reliable fielder with a strong record in the slips and outfield.
Recent IPL Form & Impact in 2025 Season
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Sanju Samson: Expected to be a key player for RR, providing firepower in the middle order. His role as captain will also be crucial in guiding the team’s campaign.
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Ajinkya Rahane: Likely to play as a stabilizer for KKR, holding the innings together while aggressive players like Andre Russell and Sunil Narine take charge.
Who Holds the Edge?
| Aspect | Advantage |
|---|---|
| Strike Rate & Aggression | Sanju Samson |
| Consistency & Stability | Ajinkya Rahane |
| Six-Hitting Power | Sanju Samson |
| Experience & Longevity | Ajinkya Rahane |
| Captaincy Experience | Sanju Samson |
| Fielding & Wicketkeeping | Sanju Samson |
Both players bring different strengths to the table. If Rajasthan Royals need an explosive middle-order performance, Sanju Samson is the man to watch. If Kolkata Knight Riders require a steady innings with calculated risks, Ajinkya Rahane is the better bet.
As RR and KKR prepare for their IPL 2025 clash, fans can expect an exciting battle between Sanju Samson vs Ajinkya Rahane. Will Samson’s power-hitting dominate, or will Rahane’s classic touch guide KKR to victory?
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