Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson has confirmed his availability for the team’s next match against Punjab Kings on Sunday, May 18, at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. The wicketkeeper-batter has missed Rajasthan’s last five matches due to injury, with his most recent appearance coming against Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. In that game, Samson scored a fluent 31 off 19 balls before retiring hurt. RR went on to lose that match in a Super Over despite being in a dominant position, and things have gone downhill since. READ: IPL 2025: DC vs GT Match 60 Prediction - Who Will Win Today? The Royals have managed just one win in Samson’s absence and now sit second-last on the points table. Speaking ahead of his return, the RR captain admitted it’s been mentally tough to watch his team struggle 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,” Samson said during the pre-match press conference. Jofra Archer to miss Punjab Kings game with thumb injury While Samson’s return offers a glimmer of hope for Rajasthan, the team will be without their key fast bowler Jofra Archer, who has been ruled out of the PBKS clash due to a thumb injury. Archer sustained the injury during the Royals’ narrow one-run defeat to Kolkata Knight Riders earlier this week. Also READ: Virat Kohli Ends Feud With Rahul Vaidya, Unblocks Singer The English pacer has been one of the few bright spots in RR’s campaign, taking 11 wickets in 12 games and currently standing as their joint highest wicket-taker. His absence further dents Rajasthan’s bowling attack as they look to finish the season on a high. With just three wins from 12 matches, RR’s playoff hopes are already dashed, but they’ll be desperate to end the league stage with a couple of strong performances.