Sanju Samson, the captain of the Rajasthan Royals (RR), is expected to return to the playing XI following a successful fitness test ahead of their IPL 2025 matchup with the Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Sunday, May 18, at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. A side strain has prevented the 30-year-old batsman-wicketkeeper from playing in RR’s previous five games.
Samson had to play only as a hitter because of a finger issue he had been dealing with before the season started. However, after scoring a fast 31 off 19 deliveries against the Delhi Capitals in RR’s seventh game of the season, he was forced to retire injured as he attempted to regain his form and health. With just three wins in 12 games since then, the Royals are currently wallowing in second-last place on the points table and have only managed one victory while Samson has been out. Samson talked candidly about the difficulties of being a spectator before the pivotal match.
I am able to play because I passed my fitness exam. Yes, I believe the adjective “frustrating” is appropriate. The experience of watching the games from the dugout has been really tough and demanding. It was more worse because I missed a number of important games. It was difficult to see the team lose and be unable to play on the pitch. These things, however, are a part of playing cricket.
Sanju Samson stated during the pre-game press conference, “I’m trying to take it in stride and focus on the positives.”
With his return, the Trivandrum native will also relinquish leadership responsibilities to his senior, Riyan Parag, who filled in as captain and is fresh off a 95-run strike against the Kolkata Knight Riders. The bowling unit for RR, however, has had a terrible season, with the lowest league average (52.1), and will be missing injured pacers Jofra Archer and Sandeep Sharma.
Additionally, with 15 points going into this game, Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer, are aiming for a top-two finish. The obvious favourites are PBKS, who need two victories from their final three games to guarantee playoff qualification. This season, their uncapped Indian openers, Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya, have established one of the most potent combinations. But since international players like Marcus Stoinis and Josh Inglis aren’t available, Punjab may give Mitchell Owen or Kyle Jamieson their debuts.
India
