IPL 2025: Sanju Samson passes fitness test, cleared to play against Punjab Kings on May 18

Rajasthan Royals (RR) skipper Sanju Samson is set to make a return to the playing XI after passing a fitness test ahead of their IPL 2025 fixture against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Sunday, May 18, at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. The 30-year-old wicketkeeper-batter had missed RR’s last five matches due to a side strain.

Samson had already been nursing a finger injury before the season began and had to play solely as a batter. However, when he looked to recover his fitness and form, he was forced to retire hurt after scoring a quick 31 off 19 deliveries against Delhi Capitals in RR’s seventh game of the season. Since then, the Royals have managed just one win in Samson's absence and are currently languishing at the second-last spot on the points table with only three victories in 12 games. Speaking ahead of the crucial clash, Samson opened up about the challenges of watching from the sidelines. 

“I passed my fitness test, so I’m available for the game. Yeah, I think 'frustrating' is definitely the right word. It's been very difficult and challenging to watch the games from the dugout. I missed out on a lot of crucial matches, which made it even tougher. Mentally, it was hard to see the team losing and not be able to contribute on the field. But these things are part of a cricketing career. I'm trying to take it in my stride and focus on the positives,” said Samson in the pre-match press conference.

The Trivandrum-born's return also means Riyan Parag, who stood in as captain and is coming off a 95-run knock in the previous match against Kolkata Knight Riders, will hand the leadership duties back to his senior. Meanwhile, RR's bowling unit has been dismal this season, has the worst average (52.1) in the league, and will be without injured pacers Sandeep Sharma and Jofra Archer.

Furthermore, Punjab Kings, under Shreyas Iyer, are pushing for a top-two finish and come into this match with 15 points. With two wins from their remaining three matches enough to seal playoff qualification, PBKS are the clear favourites. Their uncapped Indian openers, Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh, have formed one of the most explosive duos this season. However, with overseas players like Josh Inglis and Marcus Stoinis unavailable, Punjab might hand debuts to the likes of Mitchell Owen or Kyle Jamieson.