Frequent captaincy changes pulling RR down: Sandeep Sharma

Rajasthan Royals pacer Sandeep Sharma admitted that the change of captaincy multiple times in IPL 2025 was affecting the team’s performance. RR endured their 5th consecutive defeat on Thursday after being handed a 11-run defeat by RCB. Riyan Parag, who led RR in the first three games of IPL 2025 in the absence of Samson, returned as captain for the last couple of games owing to the latter suffering a side injury.

Captaincy changes affecting RR?

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Sharma noted that the team was affected by the absence of an experienced and smart Samson. He claimed that captaincy change did not affect the bowlers as they had their own plans. Sandeep added that the captain’s role (in terms of bowlers) was to set field placements.

“Sometimes, captain can help by making better field placements and brings calmness. This happens if one captain continues. Yes, all these things are contributing in pulling us down,” Sharma said.

What happened in yesterday’s RCB vs RR match?

From 17 needed off 12, RR slumped to an 11-run defeat to RCB at M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Josh Hazlewood triggered the collapse with two wickets in the 19th over after Bhuvneshwar Kumar went for 22 runs in the 18th. RR lost four wickets in the last 12 balls, scoring just five runs.

RCB had set a 206-run target for RR. Virat Kohli scored a 42-ball 70 while Devdutt Padikkal hit a 27-ball 50. Tim David and Jitesh Sharma applied the finishing touch, taking RCB to 205/5. Jofra Archer bowled a brilliant spell. But he could only bag a wicket while Sandeep Sharma returned with 2/45.