Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain, Sanju Samson, has travelled to BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru to obtain clearance for wicketkeeping after abstaining from the role for three IPL 2025 matches. According to a report by Cricbuzz, Samson flew from Guwahati to Bengaluru on Monday to seek full approval from the Centre of Excellence managers.

After surgery on his right index finger, Samson was given a temporary and partial green light to play in the current Indian Premier League (IPL). The India opening batter will be tested by the Centre of Excellence's Sport Science wing and will need permission to resume all his responsibilities. As a result of the partial clearance, Samson gave Riyan Parag leadership and contributed to Rajasthan's three IPL 2025 games thus far.

“He will seek clearance to do so for the remaining games and is expected to be back as skipper from the RR’s next match, which is nearly a week away," a source told Cricbuzz. 

Rajasthan Royals to play their next game against Punjab Kings

RR will take on the Punjab Kings on Saturday, April 5, in Chandigarh. Skipper Sanju Samson has played three matches so far solely as a batter, recording scores of 66, 13, and 20 without fielding and instead featuring as an impact player. If he receives clearance from the Centre of Excellence, he is expected to resume wicketkeeping duties and reclaim his full leadership role.

Rajasthan has had a mixed start to their IPL 2025 campaign, suffering defeats in their first two matches before securing a victory against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). In that game, they faced an early setback when opener Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed by Khaleel Ahmed after hitting a boundary off the first ball. However, Nitish Rana took control, smashing 82 off 42 deliveries in a crucial stand with Samson (20), helping Rajasthan build a strong foundation.