IPL 2025: Sanju Samson passes fitness test, set to play against Punjab Kings

Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain Sanju Samson has been declared fit for his team’s next fixture against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Sunday, May 18 at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur. Samson has played just seven matches this season as he’s been constantly troubled by injuries. He last featured in his team’s seventh fixture against Delhi Capitals (DC) at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.

Samson got retired hurt during his innings after scoring 31 (19) as Rajasthan lost the match from a dominating position after DC pushed it into the super over. Since then, Rajasthan have won just one match and are reeling at the second last spot on the points table. Ahead of his return, Sanju Samson revealed that he was left frustrated watching his team lose 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.

Furthermore, Samson also disclosed that Rajasthan will also be without their star speedster Jofra Archer for the upcoming fixture. Archer reportedly picked up a thumb injury during his team’s narrow one-run loss against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

The speedster is the joint highest wicket-taker for his team in the ongoing season, having scalped 11 wickets from 12 innings with best figures of 3/25. Meanwhile, RR have managed to win just three out of 12 matches this season and will be eager to finish on a high by winning their last two matches.