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The Indian Premier League 2025 returns after a brief break with an exciting clash between two batting powerhouses — Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings — at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. Both teams have explosive top orders, but contrasting fortunes this season. Rajasthan Royals are already out of playoff contention, while Punjab Kings still have a shot at the top spot. With RR struggling for consistency on home soil and PBKS showing great form with both bat and ball, this match promises high-scoring action under the hot afternoon sun.
Match Details
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings – 59th Match IPL 2025 |
| Date | 18th May 2025 |
| Venue | Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur |
| Time (IST) | 3:30 PM |
| Broadcast | Star Sports / Disney+ Hotstar |
| Toss Impact | Batting First Advantage |
| Recent Form (RR) | L – L – W – L – L |
| Recent Form (PBKS) | W – W – L – W – W |
| Head to Head (Last 5) | RR: 3 Wins, PBKS: 2 Wins |
Team Previews
Rajasthan Royals Preview
Rajasthan Royals have had a disappointing season, winning only 3 out of their 12 matches so far and sitting at 9th position in the points table. Their campaign was hit hard by injuries, especially the absence of Sanju Samson, which affected both leadership and strategy. However, they’ve shown flashes of brilliance, like their stunning chase against Gujarat Titans where Vaibhav Suryavanshi made history with a debut century.
Their batting lineup remains strong, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Suryavanshi providing aggressive starts. Riyan Parag has finally come into form, scoring a blistering 95* off 45 balls in the last game. The middle order features Shimron Hetmyer and Wanindu Hasaranga, who can change the game in no time.
The bowling department is their Achilles heel. With Jofra Archer ruled out, Fazalhaq Farooqi steps in, but he lacks experience. Akash Madhwal and Maheesh Theekshana offer some control, but the lack of pace and wicket-taking options could be exploited by PBKS’ powerful batting line-up.
Punjab Kings Preview
Punjab Kings are in red-hot form and looking to climb up the points table. They’ve won four of their last five games and are coming off a dominant batting performance, even managing 122/1 in just 10 overs before rain interrupted their Dharamshala fixture.
Their top order is firing consistently, with Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya giving them explosive starts. Shreyas Iyer anchors the innings with class and consistency, while Josh Inglis adds depth if he’s fit to play. Lower down the order, all-rounders like Marco Jansen and Azmatullah Omarzai provide crucial runs and firepower.
In bowling, Arshdeep Singh leads the attack with his left-arm swing and yorkers. Yuzvendra Chahal brings vital leg-spin variations and has been effective in the middle overs. Jansen and Omarzai chip in with valuable breakthroughs and add balance to the side. With such a well-rounded squad, PBKS are clear favorites going into this match.
Favourite Team to Win Today’s Match
| Team | Why? |
|---|---|
| Punjab Kings | Stronger bowling attack with Arshdeep Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal, better recent form, and more balanced squad. Rajasthan’s poor home record and weak bowling make PBKS the team to back. |
Fantasy Team XI
| Player | Role | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Jos Buttler | Batter | RR (If Fit) |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | Batter | RR |
| Prabhsimran Singh | Batter | PBKS |
| Priyansh Arya | Batter | PBKS |
| Shreyas Iyer | Batter/Captain | PBKS |
| Riyan Parag | Batter/Vice-Cap | RR |
| Wanindu Hasaranga | All-Rounder | RR |
| Arshdeep Singh | Bowler | PBKS |
| Yuzvendra Chahal | Bowler | PBKS |
| Marco Jansen | All-Rounder | PBKS |
| Maheesh Theekshana | Bowler | RR |
Explanation
This fantasy XI focuses on consistent performers and match-winners. Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya are ideal openers due to their current form. Shreyas Iyer is a must-have as captain, offering both runs and leadership. Riyan Parag, with his recent 95*, makes for a solid vice-captain pick. Yuzvendra Chahal and Arshdeep Singh are key wicket-takers, while Wanindu Hasaranga and Marco Jansen bring all-round value. Maheesh Theekshana and YJ Jaiswal complete the line-up with their ability to score quickly or take wickets.
Captain & Vice-Captain Suggestions
- Captain: Shreyas Iyer (PBKS) – Reliable middle-order batter, excellent strike rotation, and capable of finishing games.
- Vice-Captain: Riyan Parag (RR) – Aggressive stroke-maker, recently scored a match-winning knock.
Players to Avoid in Fantasy
- Dhruv Jurel (RR) – Struggled with form all season; hasn’t contributed meaningfully.
- Akash Madhwal (RR) – Lacks impact with both bat and ball; not a regular contributor.
Team Squads
Rajasthan Royals Squad
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Riyan Parag (c), Kunal Singh Rathore, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Wanindu Hasaranga, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Maheesh Theekshana, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Akash Madhwal, Shubham Dubey, Anunay Singh, Avesh Khan, Sandeep Sharma, Ravichandran Ashwin
Punjab Kings Squad
Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Josh Inglis (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Azmatullah Omarzai, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Harpreet Brar, Rishi Dhawan, Liam Livingstone, Rahul Chahar, Vaibhav Arora
Probable Playing XI
| Rajasthan Royals | Punjab Kings |
|---|---|
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | Prabhsimran Singh |
| Vaibhav Suryavanshi | Priyansh Arya |
| Riyan Parag (c) | Josh Inglis (wk) |
| Kunal Singh Rathore | Shreyas Iyer (c) |
| Dhruv Jurel (wk) | Nehal Wadhera |
| Shimron Hetmyer | Shashank Singh |
| Wanindu Hasaranga | Marco Jansen |
| Fazalhaq Farooqi | Azmatullah Omarzai |
| Maheesh Theekshana | Yuzvendra Chahal |
| Yudhvir Singh Charak | Arshdeep Singh |
| Akash Madhwal | Harpreet Brar |
Pitch Report
The Jaipur pitch has been extremely batter-friendly in IPL 2025, with an average first-innings score of 195. It offers good bounce and carry, allowing batters to play their natural shots. Spinners may find some turn later in the game, but it’s generally easier to score runs than take wickets here. Dew isn’t expected to play a role due to the afternoon start.
Toss Prediction
Teams are likely to opt to bat first due to the high-scoring nature of the pitch and the absence of dew factor during the day. Setting a big total will be crucial to putting pressure on the opposition.
Winner Prediction
Punjab Kings are firm favorites to win this encounter. Their superior bowling options, better recent form, and more balanced squad give them a significant edge over a struggling Rajasthan Royals side. Unless RR’s batsmen fire collectively and the bowlers surprise with early breakthroughs, PBKS should comfortably secure the win.
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