IPL 2025
Priyansh Arya has established a strong partnership with Prabhsimran Singh. © BCCI
Game cancellations are unfortunate, especially after scoring 122 runs in 10.1 overs while batting first. Nevertheless, exceptional circumstances prevented Punjab Kings from claiming the two points. The game will be rescheduled, but PBKS understands that such momentum is rare. Moreover, conditions in Jaipur differ significantly from Dharamsala, where aggressive batting has proven effective.
Jaipur’s pitches aren’t particularly tough, but they continue to pose challenges. PBKS returns to their IPL 2025 journey at this location, facing the home team in an afternoon match on Sunday (May 18). The team has faced departures of several overseas players, and some may not be available if they reach the playoffs. Despite this, Punjab appears strong, especially in batting, led by the promising opening pair of Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh.
Captain Shreyas Iyer has set a strong example, and the aggressive batting from PBKS has often overwhelmed opponents. They will compete against the already-eliminated Rajasthan Royals, who are struggling with their bowling attack. This season has been dismal for RR, with highlights being few and far between, especially after losing consistent captain Sanju Samson for a significant portion. His return for this match, however, brings some hope.
Rajasthan’s auction decisions regarding their bowling lineup did not pan out well this season. With little more than pride at stake, the Royals aim to finish their home games positively. A lot has changed since their previous encounter in Chandigarh, which RR won by a significant margin of 50 runs. However, given the current form of both teams, RR might struggle against PBKS, despite the added significance of this match for the latter.
When: Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings, IPL 2025, May 18 at 3.30 PM
Where: Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur
What to expect: Given that it’s peak summer in Jaipur, expect scorching heat with temperatures reaching the 40s. The afternoon timing adds to the challenge, but the pitch has generally favored batting while sometimes offering support to bowlers. Anticipate a similar scenario, especially since the curator had sufficient time to prepare due to the break.
Head to head: RR 17-12 PBKS.
Team watch:
Rajasthan Royals
Injuries/Unavailabilities: Jofra Archer has opted not to return for the final two matches, and no replacement has been named yet. Sanju Samson is expected to return after recovering from his injury.
Tactics and matchups:
Arshdeep Singh is tied with Khaleel Ahmed for the most wickets in the initial three overs of this season, having taken 7. However, Sanju Samson has an impressive record against Punjab’s top bowler, with a strike rate of 188.09 and only one dismissal in the IPL.
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/Kwena Maphaka.
Punjab Kings
Injuries/Unavailabilities: Marcus Stoinis, Aaron Hardie, and Josh Inglis are unavailable for this match. Mitch Owen and Xavier Bartlett have joined the squad, and Kyle Jamieson is a replacement for Lockie Ferguson.
Tactics and matchups:
Rajasthan has struggled with fast bowling averages in IPL 2025, being the second-most expensive team in this regard after LSG. Excluding Archer’s contributions only exaggerates this issue. Punjab has been effective in the PowerPlay, hitting at a rate of 10.25, second only to RR. Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya will aim to start strong in this encounter.
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.
Did you know?
– RR has failed to secure a PowerPlay wicket in 5 of their 12 matches so far.
– Yashasvi Jaiswal boasts an average of 70.5 in RR’s victories this year, compared to 35.12 in their defeats, highlighting his significance for the team’s success.
What they said:
“We will likely stick to a similar structure, even with some different players in those roles; our playing style remains unchanged.” – James Hopes
© Cricbuzz
