IPL 2025: Sanju Samson cleared to play against Punjab Kings after successful fitness test

In what seems to be a bit of relieving piece of news for Rajasthan amidst a dismal run of form in the ongoing IPL 2025, regular skipper Sanju Samson has been cleared to lead the team in the upcoming game against Punjab Kings. The Royals will face Shreyas Iyer’s men in Jaipur on Sunday, May 18, at 3:30 PM (IST).

Notably, Sanju Samson was out of action and had to sit on the bench in the last couple of games after sustaining a side strain. Now, he has passed the fitness test and will be appearing as skipper for RR in the game against Punjab Kings.

I missed out on a lot of crucial matches – Sanju Samson

It was the seventh game of RR’s IPL 2025 campaign when Sanju Samson played his last game in Delhi against the Capitals (DC). He had to go out of the field as ‘retired out’ after playing a brilliant quick knock of 31 runs off just 19 balls.

“I passed my fitness test, so I am available for the game. It has 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,” said Sanju Samson in the pre-match press conference ahead of the game against Punjab Kings.

“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 am trying to focus on the positives,” he added later.

Furthermore, Sanju Samson also spoke about RR’s horrific run of form in the tournament’s current season.