IPL 2025: PBKS vs RR – Preview, Prediction, Starting XI and Where To Watch The Match LIVE

IPL 2025 promises more excitement as Punjab Kings take on Rajasthan Royals in Match 18, scheduled for Saturday, April 5, at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Stadium in Mullanpur.

Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals: Preview

Historically, clashes between PBKS and RR have delivered high-octane drama and edge-of-the-seat thrillers. Could fans be in for another blockbuster?

A year ago, Punjab Kings (PBKS) endured a turbulent season — from the Shashank Singh identity mix-up to Shikhar Dhawan’s poor form — ultimately finishing ninth with just five wins, missing the playoffs for a 10th consecutive year.

Fast forward to IPL 2025, there’s a newfound sense of composure within the squad. Under the leadership of Ricky Ponting and Shreyas Iyer, PBKS have kicked off their campaign with two solid away victories and are now eager to improve their underwhelming home record.

In IPL 2024, PBKS managed just one win in five matches at Mullanpur. But this season, they look like a different outfit — one boasting enviable squad depth. So far, their top order has performed so well that the likes of Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, and Marco Jansen — all capable match-winners with the bat — haven’t even been called into action.

Home grounds can be a fortress or a formidable hurdle. Even for a team like Chennai Super Kings — owners of the best home record in IPL history — the conditions at Chepauk have posed challenges in recent years, with the team losing three of their last six games there. Still, having a consistent core playing at a familiar venue gives teams like CSK a definite edge. In contrast, Punjab Kings tell a very different tale.

Since the 2023 season, PBKS have juggled between three different home venues. From the PCA Stadium in Mohali, they shifted base to the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, while also playing home fixtures in Dharamsala. Their record at both venues hasn’t been encouraging — four losses in five matches at Mullanpur (where they play four games this season) and a winless run in Dharamsala (with three matches scheduled there in 2025) present a stiff challenge for the revamped PBKS outfit, who are the last team this season to host a home fixture.

That said, past struggles haven’t held them back this year. PBKS have kicked off IPL 2025 on a strong note, emerging as one of only two unbeaten teams so far. With a well-rounded squad and a wealth of leadership from captain Shreyas Iyer and head coach Ricky Ponting, they look a confident unit. The top-order batting, led by Iyer, has clicked early, while the bowling unit has delivered when it mattered most — encouraging signs as the Kings gear up for two consecutive games at home.

Meanwhile, PBKS will be banking on their finisher Shashank Singh, who has been sensational in the death overs. Among batters who’ve faced at least 75 balls in that phase since 2024, only one player strikes at a higher rate than him — his explosive 232.46 speaks for itself.

Leadership could also play a decisive role. Shreyas Iyer, with a win percentage of 58.33, stands third among captains who have led in 50 or more IPL games — only behind legends MS Dhoni and Sachin Tendulkar.

On the tactical front, Sandeep Sharma holds a favourable match-up against PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer, having dismissed him three times in nine T20s while conceding just 47 runs at a strike rate of 84.

Adding an intriguing subplot to the contest is Yuzvendra Chahal facing off against his former team. The leg-spinner enjoyed a stellar IPL 2022 with RR, claiming 27 wickets, winning the Purple Cap, and helping them reach the final. However, RR chose not to retain him, and PBKS made a bold move by acquiring him for a whopping INR 18 crore — the highest price ever paid for a spinner in IPL history.

And then there’s the pitch factor. Mullanpur has proven to be a stronghold for teams batting first. In all T20 matches at the venue, teams posting 170 or more have successfully defended their totals in eight out of nine games — a stat that could influence the toss and early game strategy significantly.

Rajasthan Royals (RR), however, find themselves dealing with a few early-season headaches — most notably Yashasvi Jaiswal’s lacklustre form and lingering doubts about their batting depth. In an attempt to address these concerns, RR have adopted a flexible approach to their batting order. Their recent win over CSK, inspired by a standout performance from Nitish Rana to cap off the Guwahati leg, would have brought some much-needed relief.

Should Shimron Hetmyer really be coming in as low as No. 7 or 8? That’s a question Rajasthan Royals might need to revisit sooner than later. In their opening match against KKR, Hetmyer walked out to bat at No. 8 — even after their Impact Player, Shubham Dubey. Against CSK, he came in at No. 7, behind Wanindu Hasaranga. While RR seem to be focusing more on the timing of his entry rather than his batting position, it raises a critical question — are they truly maximizing the West Indian’s explosive potential in the middle order?

There are key milestones and match-ups at play, too. Sanju Samson is on the verge of becoming RR’s most successful captain ever — currently tied with the legendary Shane Warne on 31 wins. A victory against PBKS would put him at the top of the list.

On the flip side, Yuzvendra Chahal has had the wood over Samson — dismissing him five times in 11 T20 encounters. Will that stat tempt Punjab Kings to toss Chahal the ball early, perhaps even during the powerplay?

Rajasthan Royals enter this contest having regained some footing with a crucial win over CSK after two early setbacks. However, a few cracks remain. Yashasvi Jaiswal is yet to hit top gear, and their batting lineup has lacked the same spark and firepower seen in previous campaigns — particularly with limited contributions from overseas players. Still, Nitish Rana and Dhruv Jurel have stepped up in key moments, offering some hope in the middle order.

On the bowling front, things are beginning to come together. Jofra Archer has shown signs of bouncing back after a couple of expensive outings, while the spin duo of Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana is slowly shaping into a reliable partnership. With the bowling unit starting to click, the pressure now shifts to the top order to provide solid starts — the kind that can lay the foundation for more comprehensive performances.

Speaking of Hasaranga, he’s been a force in T20 cricket since 2024 — the leading wicket-taker in the format with 94 scalps in 57 matches, averaging 15.73 at an impressive economy of 7.13. He’ll be central to RR’s plans once again.

For RR, Jaiswal’s struggles against pace remain a concern. Since 2024, he’s fallen to short balls seven times out of 15 dismissals to pacers. It’s a weakness PBKS may look to exploit early.

With both sides bringing strengths and vulnerabilities to the table, and the venue favouring teams that post big scores, this clash promises another captivating chapter in their rivalry.

Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals: Head-to-head

Rajasthan Royals hold a 16-12 head-to-head advantage over Punjab Kings in the IPL, winning six of their nine encounters since 2020.

• Total Matches Played: 28
• Wins by Punjab Kings: 12
• Wins by Rajasthan Royals: 16
• No Result: 0
• First-ever Fixture: 21 April 2008
• Most Recent Fixture: 15 May 2024

Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals: Pitch Report and Weather Conditions

PBKS struggled to understand the concept of home advantage during IPL 2024 as they dealt with the sluggish pitches at Mullanpur. The large boundary dimensions at the venue tend to aid spinners, which is reflected in the fact that 180 was crossed only twice in five first-innings totals last season.

Historically, a target in the range of 180-190 is considered competitive when batting first at the Chandigarh venue. Mumbai Indians’ 192 against PBKS was the highest total recorded at this ground in IPL 2024, underlining its bowler-friendly nature. Since the stadium began hosting matches in October 2022, only two 200-plus totals have been registered in 28 T20 games. Notably, spinners thrived at the venue last season, maintaining an economy rate of just 7.08 — the best among the 13 IPL venues in 2024.

Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals: Team News and Predicted XI

Punjab Kings – Team News

Punjab Kings head into the match with a fully fit squad and no injury worries. Meanwhile, Sanju Samson is expected to resume captaincy duties for Rajasthan Royals, taking over from Riyan Parag after receiving clearance from the Centre of Excellence to resume wicketkeeping following a finger injury. Until now, Samson featured in the first three games as an Impact Player.

Yuzvendra Chahal might be introduced early in the attack, given his strong head-to-head record against both Sanju Samson and Nitish Rana. He has removed Rana six times in 13 innings and dismissed Samson five times in 10. Marcus Stoinis could also play a role with the ball, having claimed Jaiswal’s wicket three times in just four encounters.

Punjab Kings – Predicted XI

1. Prabhsimran Singh
2. Priyansh Arya
3. Shreyas Iyer (capt)
4. Glenn Maxwell
5. Marcus Stoinis
6. Shashank Singh
7. Suryansh Shedge
8. Marco Jansen
9. Lockie Ferguson
10. Arshdeep Singh
11. Yuzvendra Chahal
12. Vijaykumar Vyshak/Nehal Wadhera

Rajasthan Royals – Team News

Sanju Samson has been cleared by the Centre of Excellence to resume wicketkeeping duties following a finger injury and will return as Rajasthan Royals’ captain, taking over from Riyan Parag. He had featured only as an Impact Player in the team’s first three matches under Parag’s leadership.

Sandeep Sharma will be a crucial asset with the ball for RR, particularly against Shreyas Iyer, Glenn Maxwell, and Marcus Stoinis — a trio he has dismissed seven times across 18 innings, while also keeping their strike rates in check.

Rajasthan Royals – Predicted XI

1. Yashasvi Jaiswal
2. Sanju Samson (capt & wk)
3. Nitish Rana
4. Riyan Parag
5. Dhruv Jurel
6. Wanindu Hasaranga
7. Shimron Hetmyer
8. Jofra Archer
9. Maheesh Theekshana
10. Tushar Deshpande
11. Sandeep Sharma
12. Shubham Dubey

Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals: Players To Watch Out For

Prabhsimran Singh (Punjab Kings)

Prabhsimran Singh has been part of the IPL since 2019 and has managed to stay with the same franchise through two mega auctions. However, across all those years, he has only registered five half-centuries — the latest being a 34-ball 69 earlier this week.

This season presents a crucial opportunity for him to prove that he can complement his potential with consistent performances.

Yashasvi Jaiswal (Rajasthan Royals)

Yashasvi Jaiswal has struggled to find his rhythm in IPL 2025, managing little impact from the 32 deliveries he’s faced so far. In the backdrop, his recent switch from Mumbai to Goa in domestic cricket has drawn considerable scrutiny.

A return to form would not only boost Rajasthan Royals but also help shift the spotlight away from the ongoing off-field discussions.

Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals: Prediction

Scenario 1

• Toss: Punjab Kings win the toss and bowl
• Powerplay Score: 50-60
• Rajasthan Royals Total: 180-190
• Match Result: Punjab Kings win the match

Scenario 2

• Toss: Rajasthan Royals win the toss and bowl
• Powerplay Score: 60-70
• Punjab Kings Total: 210-220
• Match Result: Rajasthan Royals win the match

When and Where To Watch Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals LIVE? Broadcast and Streaming Details

The Indian Premier League 2025 clash between Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals is set to begin at 7:30 PM IST on Saturday, April 5, at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur. The match will be broadcast live on the Star Sports network and will also be available for live streaming on JioHotstar for FREE.

Read More: IPL 2025: CSK vs DC – Preview, Prediction, Starting XI and Where To Watch The Match LIVE

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