Rajasthan Royals replace injured Sandeep Sharma with Burger

New Delhi

Rajasthan Royals have signed South African pacer Nandre Burger as a replacement for the injured Sandeep Sharma for the remainder of the IPL 2025 season. Sandeep suffered a finger injury and has been ruled out of the ongoing tournament. The IPL confirmed Burger's inclusion through a media advisory on Thursday.

Sandeep, known for his consistency and swing bowling, played 10 matches this season and took nine wickets. In his IPL career, he has claimed 146 wickets in 137 games, with best figures of 5/18.

Burger, a left-arm pacer, is no stranger to the Royals. He played for them in IPL 2024, where he picked up seven wickets in six matches. Although he was released before the 2025 season and went unsold at the auction, the Royals brought him back for Rs 3.5 crore. His overall T20 record includes 77 wickets in 69 games at an average of 23.44.

Burger has also represented South Africa internationally—taking 14 wickets in three Tests, six in five ODIs, and one wicket in two T20Is. His IPL experience and express pace will now bolster Rajasthan’s bowling unit.

In another move

Rajasthan also signed South African top-order batter Lhuan-dre Pretorius as a replacement for Nitish Rana, who is out injured. Pretorius, a rising star, has impressed with 911 runs in 33 T20s and shone in the ICC U19 World Cup 2024.

Both signings strengthen Rajasthan’s squad as the league heads into its decisive phase.