IPL 2025: Punjab Kings look to solidify their playoffs chances against already eliminated RR

IANS May 17, 2025 225 views

Punjab Kings are set for a crucial match against Rajasthan Royals, aiming to strengthen their playoff position. With Prabhsimran Singh in stellar form and Arshdeep Singh leading the bowling attack, PBKS looks formidable despite missing Josh Inglis and Marcus Stoinis. Rajasthan Royals, already eliminated, will be hoping to end their home season with pride. The match promises excitement with both teams having different motivations at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium.

"We're focused on maintaining our momentum and securing a top two finish" - Shreyas Iyer, PBKS Captain
Jaipur, May 17: Shreyas Iyer-led Punjab Kings (PBKS) will be looking to solidify their playoffs chances when they take on an already eliminated Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the IPL 2025 clash at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Key Points

1

Prabhsimran Singh in excellent form with four consecutive half-centuries

2

Arshdeep Singh leads bowling with 16 wickets

3

PBKS third in points table with 15 points

4

RR looking to end home season on positive note

In the head to head record, RR hold a narrow 17-12 edge over PBKS, including one game ending in a tie. In their last meeting in this season, RR won by 50 runs at Mullanpur, which was also PBKS’ first defeat of the season.

But sitting on third place in the points table with 15 points from 11 matches, PBKS will be aiming to restart the momentum which has made them contenders for a possible top two finish. Prabhsimran Singh, PBKS’ current top run-scorer, has struck four consecutive half-centuries, while Priyansh Arya has been his perfect opening partner via his aggressive stroke play.

Skipper Shreyas Iyer has been astute in leadership, and sparkling with the bat, while left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh has been a standout performer yet again by picking 16 wickets, making him the fourth-highest wicket-taker in the competition. Though Josh Inglis and Marcus Stoinis are unavailable for this game, PBKS still have enough arsenal in them to cover up for their absence.

On the other hand, Sunday’s game also marks RR’s final home match in what has been a thoroughly forgettable season for them. They will be hoping to end their home run on a positive note despite missing Jofra Archer, while status of skipper Sanju Samson taking the field on Sunday is yet to be known.

While 14-year-old young batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi showed his brilliance with a breath-taking 35-ball century in Jaipur, RR has struggled for batting consistency big time and will need strong performances from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Riyan Parag to ensure they can bow out on a high.

When: Sunday, May 18 at 3:30 PM IST

Where: Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur

Where to watch: Star Sports Network (TV) and JioHotstar (live streaming)

Punjab Kings: Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Shashank Singh, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Harpreet Brar, Marco Jansen, Harnoor Singh, Pyla Avinash, Aaron Hardie, Azmatullah Omarzai, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Owen, Musheer Khan, Suryansh Shedge, Josh Inglis (wk), Vishnu Vinod (wk), Kuldeep Sen, Praveen Dubey, Kyle Jamieson, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Xavier Bartlett, and Yash Thakur

Rajasthan Royals: Sanju Samson (c & wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Shubham Dubey, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Wanindu Hasaranga, Yudhvir Singh, Kunal Singh Rathore (wk), Lhuan-dre Pretorius (wk), Akash Madhwal, Ashok Sharma, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Kumar Kartikeya, Kwena Maphaka, Maheesh Theekshana, and Tushar Deshpande.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
PBKS has been the surprise package this season! Shreyas Iyer's captaincy has been brilliant and Prabhsimran's form is 🔥. Hope they don't take RR lightly though - Jaipur pitch can be tricky and RR will play without pressure now. #SherPunjab
P
Priya M.
That 14-year-old Vaibhav scoring a century was incredible! Shows the future of Indian cricket is bright. But RR's management needs serious rethinking - too many changes every season. PBKS should win this comfortably though.
A
Amit S.
As a neutral fan, I just want to see Yashasvi Jaiswal play one of his explosive innings today. The boy has talent but has been inconsistent. PBKS bowling attack vs RR's young batsmen will be interesting to watch!
S
Sneha R.
Arshdeep Singh deserves more credit - he's been consistently good across seasons while others get hyped for one good performance. Hope PBKS makes it to playoffs this time, they've built a balanced team finally.
V
Vikram J.
RR's downfall this season shows how important Jofra Archer was to their balance. Without him, their bowling looks toothless. Meanwhile PBKS has all bases covered - strong Indian core plus good overseas players. Should be an easy win for them today.
N
Neha T.
Why is no one talking about Priyansh Arya? The guy has been smashing it from ball one consistently! PBKS's scouting team deserves credit for finding these young talents. Hope they don't choke in the crucial matches like previous seasons 🤞
K

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Your email won't be published


Disclaimer: Comments here reflect the author's views alone. Insulting or using offensive language against individuals, communities, religion, or the nation is illegal.

Tags:
IPL 2025 Punjab Kings Rajasthan Royals Shreyas Iyer Prabhsimran Singh Cricket T20 League