Table of Contents
Match Preview
The RR vs PBKS is set to clash in a crucial afternoon encounter on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur. As the 59th match of the Indian Premier League 2025, this “Northern Derby” carries massive playoff implications, especially for PBKS who need a win to stay in contention.
RR, despite a sluggish start to the season, are eyeing a late surge, having already defeated PBKS by 50 runs earlier in the tournament on April 5, 2025, in Mullanpur. With a strong home record and spin-friendly conditions expected in Jaipur, RR have momentum and conditions in their favor.
PBKS, on the other hand, are leaning on the form of skipper Shreyas Iyer, the consistency of Nehal Wadhera, and the all-round impact of Glenn Maxwell to turn things around. But they’ll need to shake off memories of their top-order collapse in the last RR encounter, especially against Jofra Archer, who ripped through their lineup with 3/25.
Match Details:
- Match: RR vs PBKS, 59th Match, Indian Premier League 2025
- Date: Sunday, May 18, 2025
- Time: 3:30 PM LOCAL / 10:00 AM GMT
- Venue: Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur
Team News & Player Availability
✅ Rajasthan Royals (RR) – Expected to Play:
- Sanju Samson (Captain): Back after early-season injury; key to RR’s batting core
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: In top form, scored 67 vs PBKS in April
- Dhruv Jurel: RR’s leading run-scorer as of early April
- Riyan Parag: Reliable middle-order presence
- Jofra Archer: Despite speculative reports, expected to play given recent match-winning form
- Wanindu Hasaranga & Maheesh Theekshana: Spin duo crucial on a turning track
- Sandeep Sharma: Key death-overs pacer
- Shimron Hetmyer & Nitish Rana: No reported absences
⚠️ Uncertain:
- Tushar Deshpande: Replaced in April 5 match by Yudhvir Singh for unknown reasons
✅ Punjab Kings (PBKS) – Likely Starters:
- Shreyas Iyer (Captain): In strong form, but dismissed cheaply last time vs RR
- Nehal Wadhera: 62 vs RR in April; key to PBKS middle-order
- Glenn Maxwell: Effective as batter and spinner
- Arshdeep Singh: Lead Indian pacer
- Yuzvendra Chahal: Played the last RR match, valuable on turning pitches
- Marco Jansen, Shashank Singh, Azmatullah Omarzai: Multi-dimensional players, all likely to start
- Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya: Opening pair may be retained despite failures vs RR
⚠️ Uncertain:
- Josh Inglis & Marcus Stoinis: Speculation they could be replaced by Tom Owen and Suryansh Shedge, but no official confirmation
- Kagiso Rabada: No clear update on his status for May 18
Dream11 Prediction: RR vs PBKS Fantasy Picks
🔥 Head-to-Head (H2H) Dream11 Team
Wicketkeepers: Sanju Samson, Dhruv Jurel
Batters: Yashasvi Jaiswal (VC), Shreyas Iyer, Nehal Wadhera
All-rounders: Glenn Maxwell, Riyan Parag
Bowlers: Jofra Archer (C), Arshdeep Singh, Wanindu Hasaranga, Yuzvendra Chahal
✅ Captain: Jofra Archer
✅ Vice-Captain: Yashasvi Jaiswal
🎯 Grand League (GL) Dream11 Team
Wicketkeeper: Dhruv Jurel
Batters: Shimron Hetmyer, Riyan Parag, Shreyas Iyer, Nehal Wadhera
All-rounders: Glenn Maxwell (VC), Marco Jansen
Bowlers: Hasaranga, Arshdeep, Sandeep Sharma, Maheesh Theekshana
✅ Captain: Wanindu Hasaranga
✅ Vice-Captain: Glenn Maxwell
Pitch Report & Match Prediction
The Jaipur track favors spin and can be tricky for batters early on. Teams might opt to bat first to avoid second-innings turn.
- Par Score: 160-170
- Toss Winner Likely to: Bat first
- Players to Watch: Jaiswal, Archer, Hasaranga, Wadhera, Maxwell
Head-to-Head Stats
- Total Matches: 28
- RR Wins: 16
- PBKS Wins: 12
- Last Match (April 5, 2025): RR won by 50 runs
Where to Watch
Watch RR vs PBKS live on Star Sports Network and JioHotstar in India.
Final Thoughts
With playoff stakes soaring, the RR vs PBKS battle promises to be a gripping showdown. Rajasthan will back their spinners and home advantage, while Punjab must step up their top-order resistance against a fiery RR attack. Keep an eye on final playing XIs at the toss to finalize your Dream11 team wisely.