The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is in full swing, and the Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain Sanju Samson has been making headlines not just for his on-field performances, but also for his camaraderie with fellow cricketers off the field. Ahead of their highly anticipated 50th match of the season against the Mumbai Indians (MI), Samson was seen sharing some lighthearted moments with MI stars Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav.
The two teams, who will face off on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, represent contrasting fortunes in IPL 2025. While Mumbai is riding a wave of form, Rajasthan has been struggling to find consistency. However, the shared moments of fun between the players showcased the sportsmanship and camaraderie that IPL embodies.
A Fun-filled Pre-Match Interaction
On April 30, 2025, a day before the IPL 2025 clash, the official RR Twitter (now X) account shared a viral video of Sanju Samson having a fun moment with MI’s Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, and RR teammate Riyan Parag. In the video, Sanju, holding Hardik’s glove, couldn’t help but laugh and made a humorous remark about the glove’s unique look:
“Bro, check this out, there’s a diamond on it! I’m seeing a diamond on the glove for the first time. No way! This is going viral now—there’s a diamond on Hardik’s glove!)
This lighthearted moment between the cricketers instantly went viral, adding a bit of fun to the serious competitive atmosphere of IPL. The playful interaction between the players from different teams captured the attention of fans, further fueling the excitement around the upcoming clash.
Rajasthan Royals’ Struggles in IPL 2025
As exciting as the off-field interactions have been, the Rajasthan Royals have had a mixed bag of results in the ongoing season. Currently in eighth place on the points table with just six points from six matches, RR has faced difficulties in maintaining consistent performances. This has been a significant deviation from the team’s usual standard, and they will need to find their rhythm quickly if they are to make a late push for the playoffs.
The RR team, led by Sanju Samson, has faced challenges in the early part of the season, with some of their key players not firing consistently. However, the Royals are no strangers to bouncing back from difficult situations, and with a talented squad, they could yet turn their fortunes around in the latter half of the tournament.
Mumbai Indians’ Red-Hot Form
In stark contrast, Mumbai Indians (MI) are enjoying a purple patch in IPL 2025. The five-time IPL champions have found their groove, winning their last five matches in a row, and are currently occupying third place on the points table with 12 points from 10 matches. The team has been in scintillating form, with players like Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav leading from the front.
Hardik, in particular, has been the star for Mumbai this season, contributing with both bat and ball. His leadership and all-round skills have been crucial to MI’s success, while Suryakumar’s explosive batting has provided the team with the much-needed firepower in the middle overs. With such key players in top form, Mumbai will be looking to continue their winning streak against Rajasthan.
The IPL Rivalry: Rajasthan Royals vs. Mumbai Indians
The IPL rivalry between Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians has been one of the most thrilling in the tournament’s history. Out of the 30 encounters between these two teams, Mumbai holds a slight edge, having won 15 matches compared to Rajasthan’s 14 victories. There has also been one match that ended with no result, showcasing just how closely matched the teams are when they face off.
Given the current form of both teams, this 50th match of IPL 2025 promises to be a thrilling contest. Mumbai will look to extend their winning streak, while Rajasthan will be hoping to rediscover their winning formula and make a statement against one of the most successful teams in IPL history.
What’s Next for Rajasthan Royals?
While Rajasthan’s immediate focus will be on the match against Mumbai, their future in IPL 2025 will depend on how well they regroup after their inconsistent performances. Players like Jos Buttler, Shimron Hetmyer, and Riyan Parag will need to step up to support captain Sanju Samson. The Royals have the talent, but they’ll need to find their groove if they are to make a serious push for the playoffs.
In terms of their head-to-head record against MI, Rajasthan knows that this will be a tough battle. However, with the fans behind them and the element of surprise on their side, RR will hope to capitalize on any weaknesses Mumbai might show on the day.
Conclusion
The interaction between Sanju Samson and Hardik Pandya ahead of their IPL 2025 clash has added a personal touch to the rivalry between Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians. While both teams have had contrasting seasons, one thing is certain—this upcoming match will be one for the books. With Mumbai looking to extend their winning streak and Rajasthan aiming for a turnaround, fans can expect an exciting battle at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.
Whether it’s the diamond-studded glove or the intense on-field competition, IPL 2025 continues to deliver moments of both joy and drama, reminding everyone why the league is one of the most popular cricket tournaments in the world.
