The PBKS vs RR clash in IPL 2025 is all set to be a thrilling one. Punjab Kings (PBKS) are in great form, winning both their matches so far. They will now play their first home match of the season at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur. Rajasthan Royals (RR), after a slow start, will look to continue the momentum after their recent win against Chennai Super Kings.
Home Advantage or Challenge?
For Punjab Kings, the idea of home advantage is still new. Since 2023, they have played “home” matches at three different venues – Mohali, Mullanpur, and Dharamsala. Unfortunately, the results haven’t been great. PBKS have lost four out of five games in Mullanpur and haven’t won in Dharamsala either. But this year, they seem a lot more balanced and confident.
Despite past struggles at home, PBKS are one of only two unbeaten teams this season. Their top order is performing well, and captain Shreyas Iyer, along with coach Ricky Ponting, brings strong leadership. Their bowlers are also making important contributions in crunch moments, helping the team win tight games.
Rajasthan Royals – A Mixed Start
Rajasthan Royals lost their first two games but bounced back with a strong performance against CSK. Their biggest concern is the form of Yashasvi Jaiswal, who hasn’t scored big yet. The top order has looked weak, especially with fewer overseas stars this season.
However, Nitish Rana and Dhruv Jurel have done well in the middle. The bowling attack is now looking more stable. Jofra Archer has improved, while Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana are forming a solid spin pair. With better support from the top order, RR can be a tough team to beat.
Match Details
- Match: PBKS vs RR
- Date: Saturday, April 5
- Time: 7:30 PM IST
- Venue: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur,Chandigarh
Pitch Report
The Mullanpur pitch has not been very high-scoring. Most games here have been tough for batters, especially in the first innings. In IPL 2024, Mumbai Indians’ 192 was the highest total at this venue. Since the stadium opened in 2022, there have only been two totals above 200 in T20 matches. Spinners do well here, with an economy rate of just 7.08 – the best among all IPL venues last year.
Head-to-Head
In the PBKS vs RR rivalry, Rajasthan Royals lead with 16 wins, while Punjab Kings have 12 wins. Since 2020, RR have won 6 out of 9 games between the two.
PBKS Team News and Probable XI
Punjab Kings have no injury issues at the moment. They have several strong match-up options. Yuzvendra Chahal has dismissed both Sanju Samson and Nitish Rana multiple times, and Marcus Stoinis has had success against Yashasvi Jaiswal.
PBKS Probable XI:
Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Shreyas Iyer (C), Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Suryansh Shedge, Marco Jansen, Lockie Ferguson, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh / Harpreet Brar
RR Team News and Probable XI
Sanju Samson is back as captain and wicketkeeper after playing as an impact sub in the previous games. Sandeep Sharma will be a key bowler for RR, especially against Iyer, Maxwell, and Stoinis, who all have poor records against him.
RR Probable XI:
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson (C & WK), Nitish Rana, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Sandeep Sharma, Tushar Deshpande / Kumar Kartikeya
Key Stats Before PBKS vs RR
- Shashank Singh has the second-highest strike rate (232.46) in death overs since IPL 2024.
- Shreyas Iyer has the third-best win rate as captain (58.33%) in IPL history among leaders with 50+ matches.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal has been dismissed 7 times by short balls since IPL 2024.
- Wanindu Hasaranga has taken the most wickets in T20s since 2024 (94 wickets in 57 matches).
What They Said
Sunil Joshi (PBKS spin coach):
“We have multiple options for impact players. It depends on the venue and the conditions. More options give us better chances to adapt.”
Sanju Samson (RR captain):
“I missed the first few games, but I’ve learned from the sidelines. I’m excited to be back and ready to give my best.”
Final Thoughts on PBKS vs RR
The PBKS vs RR match is expected to be a close contest. Punjab Kings have the momentum, but their record at Mullanpur will be tested. Rajasthan Royals, after fixing their bowling issues, now need their top order to fire. With both teams eager to climb the points table, fans can expect a thrilling evening of T20 cricket.
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