IPL 2025: Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings Match Preview
Match Details
The Rajasthan Royals (RR) are set to compete against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the 59th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. This exciting encounter will take place at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on May 18, 2025, starting at 03:30 PM IST.
Rajasthan Royals Overview
Having already been eliminated from the IPL 2025 tournament, the Rajasthan Royals are entering this match following two consecutive losses. Their last game ended in a narrow defeat by just one run against the Kolkata Knight Riders. With no chance of advancing, the team is likely to experiment with their remaining players and approach the match with a positive mindset.
Punjab Kings Overview
The Punjab Kings are currently in a strong position as they vie for a playoff spot. They come into this match after a convincing 37-run victory over the Lucknow Super Giants. The batting lineup boasts in-form players such as Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, and captain Shreyas Iyer. Currently, they hold the third position in the IPL 2025 points table with 15 points, giving them a solid opportunity to climb higher.
Pitch Analysis
The pitch at Sawai Mansingh Stadium is expected to favor high-scoring matches. Historically, this surface has been conducive to batting, with the average first innings score in this year's IPL being 176.5. Bowlers, particularly spinners and medium pacers, may find some assistance as well.
Head-to-Head Record at Sawai Mansingh
| RR vs PBKS head-to-head at Sawai Mansingh | |
| Matches Played | 6 |
| Won by Rajasthan Royals | 5 |
| Won by Punjab Kings | 1 |
| No Result | 0 |
| Tied | 0 |
Probable Playing XI
Rajasthan Royals: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Kunal Singh Rathore, Riyan Parag (c), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Yudhvir Singh, Akash Madhwal, Kwena Mphaka.
(Impact Subs: Kumar Karthikeya, Tushar Deshpande, Nitish Rana, Ashok Sharma)
Punjab Kings: Shreyas Iyer (c), Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Prabhsimran Singh, Josh Inglis (wk), Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Nehal Wadhera, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Priyansh Arya.
(Impact Subs: Harpreet Brar, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Musheer Ahmed Khan, Harnoor Singh)
Key Players to Watch
Top Wicketkeeper
- Prabhsimran Singh | PBKS: In excellent form this season, Prabhsimran has amassed 437 runs in 11 matches, including three fifties in his last four games. His recent performance includes a remarkable 91 runs against LSG, making him a valuable addition to any fantasy team.
Top Batters
- Yashasvi Jaiswal | RR: The 23-year-old has regained his form, scoring four fifties in his last five matches, totaling 473 runs at a strike rate of 154.58. His recent performances make him a strong candidate for your fantasy lineup.
- Shreyas Iyer | PBKS: With 405 runs in 11 matches at an average of 50.63, Shreyas is a key player for PBKS. His recent 45-run innings against LSG showcases his potential to contribute significantly in this match.
Top All-Rounders
- Riyan Parag | RR: Riyan has scored 377 runs in 12 innings at a strike rate of 170.59. His recent 95 runs against KKR highlight his ability to make impactful contributions.
- Marco Jansen | PBKS: A match-winning all-rounder, Marco has scored 75 runs and taken 11 wickets this season, including a wicket in the last match. He is a must-have in your fantasy XI.
Top Bowlers
- Maheesh Theekshana | RR: Although his wicket tally isn't as high as expected, he has shown promise in recent matches, taking one wicket against KKR. He has a total of 11 wickets in IPL 2025.
- Arshdeep Singh | PBKS: Known for his skills in T20 cricket, Arshdeep has taken 16 wickets in 11 matches this season, making him an essential pick for fantasy teams.