Preview: PBKS take on RR in their first home game of IPL 2025 at Mullanpur. Get team news, playing XI, pitch report, key stats & match prediction.
IPL 2025: Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals – Match Preview, Team News & Playing XI
Date: Saturday, April 5, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM IST
Venue: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur
Home advantage in the IPL can be a blessing or a burden. While Chennai Super Kings have traditionally dominated at Chepauk, their recent record shows a dip in consistency. On the other hand, Punjab Kings find themselves in unfamiliar territory—again. Having shifted bases multiple times since IPL 2023, PBKS will be playing their first home match of IPL 2025 at Mullanpur, a venue where they’ve struggled with four losses in five matches. To add to their challenge, they’ve also remained winless in Dharamsala, where they will play three more games this season.
Despite past hurdles, PBKS enter this clash as one of only two unbeaten sides in IPL 2025. With a balanced squad, experienced leadership in skipper Shreyas Iyer, and Ricky Ponting in the coaching setup, the Kings are looking to rewrite history. Their top order has fired in the opening games, and the bowling unit has delivered under pressure—positive signs as they gear up for back-to-back home fixtures.
In contrast, Rajasthan Royals have had a mixed campaign. After losing their first two matches, RR bounced back with a win against CSK. However, they still have unresolved issues. Yashasvi Jaiswal hasn’t hit form yet, and their batting lacks the firepower of past seasons, especially from overseas players. On the bright side, the bowling unit is shaping up well. Jofra Archer has found rhythm, while Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana are forming a solid spin duo. If the top order steps up, RR could become a serious contender again.
What to Expect
The pitch at Mullanpur has largely favored bowlers, especially spinners. In IPL 2024, the venue recorded the lowest spin economy rate (7.08) across all 13 venues. A first-innings total around 180–190 is considered competitive. The highest IPL score here so far has been 192 by MI, indicating this is not a flat batting paradise.
Head-to-Head
- Total Matches: 28
- Rajasthan Royals: 16 wins
- Punjab Kings: 12 wins
- Since 2020: RR leads with 6 wins in 9 games
Team News & Strategy
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
- Injury Update: No injury concerns for PBKS.
- Tactical Preview: Expect Chahal to bowl early against Samson and Rana—two batters he has dismissed 11 times combined. Marcus Stoinis could also be a key match-up option against Jaiswal, who has fallen to him thrice in four innings.
Probable Playing 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
Impact Sub: Nehal Wadhera / Harpreet Brar
Rajasthan Royals (RR)
- Injury Update: Skipper Sanju Samson returns as full-time captain and wicketkeeper after playing as an impact sub in the first few games.
- Tactical Preview: Sandeep Sharma will be vital with the new ball, especially against Iyer, Maxwell, and Stoinis, who collectively have poor strike rates against him.
Probable Playing 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
Impact Sub: Kumar Kartikeya
Did You Know?
- Shashank Singh has the second-highest strike rate (232.46) in the death overs since IPL 2024 (min. 75 balls).
- Shreyas Iyer has a captaincy win rate of 58.33%, third-best among leaders with over 50 games.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal has fallen to short balls 7 times in his last 15 dismissals vs pacers.
- Wanindu Hasaranga leads all T20 bowlers since 2024 with 94 wickets in 57 matches, boasting a 15.73 average and 7.13 economy rate.
Final Word
PBKS will be desperate to end their home drought, while RR seek consistency. With both teams boasting match-winners and strong bowling lineups, this clash at Mullanpur could be a low-scoring thriller decided by spin and death bowling.
