The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 heats up as Punjab Kings (PBKS) take on Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Match 18 on Saturday, April 5, at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur. With both teams aiming for victory, this match promises to be full of action.
Punjab Kings: On Top, but With Expectations
Punjab Kings come into this match sitting at the top of the points table, having won both their opening games. They are also playing their first home game in Mullanpur, which will give them a strong home advantage. The team has been in excellent form, with key players contributing in both batting and bowling departments. Shreyas Iyer has been particularly impressive, scoring back-to-back half-centuries, and will be the focal point of the batting lineup. The bowling attack, led by Arshdeep Singh, has also been solid. However, as the top team, there is added pressure to maintain their momentum and perform in front of their home crowd.
Rajasthan Royals: A Tough Road Ahead
Rajasthan Royals arrive in Mullanpur looking for a much-needed victory. Positioned ninth on the points table, they have struggled to find consistency in the tournament so far. Despite a win over Chennai Super Kings in their last outing, RR’s overall performance has been underwhelming. The return of regular captain Sanju Samson from injury will be a significant boost to the team, providing them with much-needed stability. With players like Shimron Hetmyer, Jofra Archer, and Wanindu Hasaranga, Rajasthan has the talent to turn things around, but they need to deliver a complete team performance.
Key Players to Watch
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Shreyas Iyer (PBKS): Iyer has been in outstanding form, with two unbeaten half-centuries in as many matches. With 149 runs to his name already, he will be the key figure for Punjab Kings in the batting department.
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Arshdeep Singh (PBKS): The left-arm pacer has been in superb form with the ball, picking up five wickets at an average of 15.80. His ability to deliver under pressure makes him crucial for Punjab.
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Sanju Samson (RR): As the returning captain, Samson’s leadership will be vital for Rajasthan Royals. His batting ability, especially in pressure situations, will be key for RR to bounce back in the tournament.
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Wanindu Hasaranga (RR): The Sri Lankan spinner has the ability to control the middle overs and pick wickets consistently. He will be crucial for RR, especially on a pitch that might aid spinners.
Head-to-Head Record
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Total Matches Played: 28
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PBKS Wins: 12
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RR Wins: 16
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First Faceoff: April 21, 2008
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Previous Faceoff: May 15, 2024
Rajasthan Royals have had the upper hand in the history of IPL encounters, with 16 wins compared to Punjab’s 12. However, Punjab will look to capitalize on their current form and the home advantage to change the dynamics.
Pitch Report: A High-Scoring Affair?
Mullanpur is a relatively new venue in IPL 2025 and has seen some high-scoring encounters so far. The ground’s short dimensions allow batters to play their shots freely, while spinners have found some assistance. It’s expected to be a balanced pitch where both batsmen and bowlers will have a role to play. The team winning the toss might prefer to bowl first, as chasing could be the easier option, depending on how the pitch behaves during the latter stages of the game.
Predicted Playing XI
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
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Priyansh Arya
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Prabhsimran Singh (W)
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Shreyas Iyer (C)
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Shashank Singh
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Marcus Stoinis
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Glenn Maxwell
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Suryansh Shedge
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Marco Jansen
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Lockie Ferguson
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Yuzvendra Chahal
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Arshdeep Singh
Impact Players: Harpreet Brar, Nehhal Wadhera
Rajasthan Royals (RR)
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Yashasvi Jaiswal
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Sanju Samson (C)
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Nitish Rana
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Riyan Parag (C)
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Dhruv Jurel (W)
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Shimron Hetmyer
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Wanindu Hasaranga
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Jofra Archer
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Maheesh Theekshana
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Sandeep Sharma
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Tushar Deshpande
Impact Players: Shubham Dubey, Fazalhaq Farooqi
Probable Scenarios
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Scenario 1: PBKS wins the toss and bowls first
PBKS sets a target of around 180-190. Rajasthan Royals chase, but fall short, and Punjab Kings win. -
Scenario 2: RR wins the toss and bowls first
Punjab Kings set a high target of 210-220, and Rajasthan Royals fail to chase, leading to a PBKS win.
Match Prediction: Punjab Kings to Win
Based on current form, the home advantage, and the overall balance in the teams, Punjab Kings are favored to win this match. The team has looked solid in all departments, and with players like Shreyas Iyer and Arshdeep Singh in top form, they are expected to continue their winning run. Rajasthan Royals, despite the return of Sanju Samson, will need a more cohesive effort from all players to come out on top in Mullanpur.