The IPL 2025 caravan rolls into Jaipur, where the Rajasthan Royals (RR) host the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a clash with contrasting stakes. Punjab are still in the playoff race and comes into the contest with momentum and a dynamic batting order, while RR, already eliminated, will play for pride and a morale-boosting finish at their home venue. The Indian Premier League (IPL), meanwhile, returns after suspension. Yesterday, we didn’t manage to witness the action as the RCB vs KKR match was washed out.
Match Details
Match: Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings, Match 60, IPL 2025 Date & Time: May 18, 2025, 3:30 PM IST Venue: Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur Live Telecast/Streaming: Star Sports Network / JioHotstarMatch Preview: RR vs PBKS
Punjab Kings were unlucky to see their last match washed out after scoring 122 in just 10.1 overs. But their aggressive batting blueprint remains intact. The opening combination of Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh has given PBKS a formidable start in most matches. Captain Shreyas Iyer continues to anchor the middle overs, while Shashank Singh and Azmatullah Omarzai provide the finishing kick.
Rajasthan Royals, on the other hand, are enduring a season to forget. They have struggled to maintain rhythm, largely due to an underwhelming bowling unit and key player absences. With Sanju Samson back after an injury layoff, RR will hope for some batting stability. However, bowling frailties have plagued them, especially in the PowerPlay where they’ve gone wicketless in five matches this season.
Recent Form
Punjab Kings
PBKS have looked sharp, especially in the PowerPlay where they boast a strike rate of 10.25—second-best in the tournament. The youthful opening duo of Arya and Prabhsimran has taken down new-ball attacks with ease, while Shreyas Iyer and Nehal Wadhera ensure stability. Fascinatingly, PBKS’ last loss of the season came a month ago! A win here would 99% confirm their berth for the knockouts.
Rajasthan Royals
RR started the season with promise but faltered as injuries and poor death bowling took a toll. They’ve failed to close out winnable games and haven’t found a consistent bowling unit. Yashasvi Jaiswal remains their biggest batting asset, averaging over 70 in wins this season. RR will rely on a Samson-Jaiswal-Parag core to take them deep into the innings. However, they have already been knocked out, having lost seven of their last eight games.
Pitch Report: Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur
AspectDetailNatureBalanced surface with occasional slownessAverage 1st Inns Score165-175Dew FactorUnlikely (afternoon game)Batting ImpactBetter early on; slows in middle oversSpin AssistanceModerate, especially second halfThe Jaipur surface is typically good for strokeplay early on but tends to grip slightly in the middle overs. Spinners may find some assistance, but afternoon conditions will also challenge fielding units due to the extreme heat (40+°C).
Head-to-Head: RR vs PBKS
Total Matches: 29 Rajasthan Royals Wins: 17 Punjab Kings Wins: 12 At Jaipur: RR have a slight edge, having won 5 of 8 matches against PBKS at this venue.Predicted Playing XIs
Rajasthan Royals
Sanju Samson is set to return, while Jofra Archer has opted out of the final matches. Fazalhaq Farooqi or Kwena Maphaka could slot into the XI.
Probable XII:Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson (c), Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Shubham Dubey, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Akash Madhwal, Kumar Kartikeya / Fazalhaq Farooqi
Punjab Kings
The overseas trio of Stoinis, Hardie, and Inglis remains unavailable. Mitch Owen and Bartlett have been added, while Kyle Jamieson comes in as a replacement for Lockie Ferguson.
Probable XII:Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Priyansh Arya, Mitch Owen, Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Suryansh Shedge, Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Xavier Bartlett
Key Matchups & Stats
Sanju Samson vs Arshdeep Singh: SR 188.09, dismissed only once PBKS PowerPlay Strike Rate: 10.25 (2nd highest) RR PowerPlay Bowling: Worst average in IPL 2025, wicketless in 5 of 12 matches Yashasvi Jaiswal in Wins: Avg 70.5 vs 35.12 in defeatsMatch Prediction
Predicted Winner: Punjab Kings (75% chance)
While RR have the home advantage and individual brilliance in Jaiswal and Samson, their collective bowling failures have been exposed throughout the season. Punjab’s aggressive top order and balanced bowling attack—especially the form of Arshdeep and Chahal—make them favorites to win this match. Unless RR’s batting clicks collectively or the pitch unexpectedly aids spin, PBKS should walk away with the points. Punjab’s batting is extremely strong, and they can easily aim for 25+ runs above any par total.
RR vs PBKS Match Prediction: Who will win today’s IPL 2025 match? Inside Sport India.
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