Key Highlights:
PBKS vs RR IPL 2025 – Clash of Depth vs Dilemma in Mullanpur: Exactly a year ago, Punjab Kings (PBKS) were wrestling with a mid-season identity crisis—confusion over Shashank Singh, Shikhar Dhawan’s form slump, and a ninth-place finish. Fast forward to IPL 2025, and there’s a stark contrast. Under the sharp leadership of Ricky Ponting and Shreyas Iyer, PBKS have opened their campaign with two away wins, brimming with composure and conviction.
They now return to Mullanpur, a ground where they lost four of five matches last season, but this time, they return armed with depth, form, and renewed belief.
Form Guide
- Punjab Kings: W W L
- Rajasthan Royals: W L L
Punjab carry momentum. Rajasthan carry questions.
PBKS: Recharged, Rebuilt, and Ruthless (So Far)
What’s made PBKS a serious threat this season is their luxurious squad depth. So far, their top order has performed so well, the middle and lower order—stacked with Maxwell, Stoinis, and Marco Jansen—has barely been tested.
Their bowling attack is a blend of express pace and guile, with Lockie Ferguson and Arshdeep Singh operating in tandem, and Yuzvendra Chahal, the most expensive spinner in IPL history, waiting to bite back at his former franchise.
PBKS Likely XI:
- Prabhsimran Singh
- Priyansh Arya
- Shreyas Iyer (C)
- Glenn Maxwell
- Marcus Stoinis
- Shashank Singh
- Suryansh Shedge
- Marco Jansen
- Lockie Ferguson
- Arshdeep Singh
- Yuzvendra Chahal
- Impact: Vijaykumar Vyshak/Nehal Wadhera
RR: Talent, Turbulence, and Tinkering
While PBKS have found early rhythm, Rajasthan Royals (RR) are still tweaking their settings. From Yashasvi Jaiswal’s poor start to their decision to demote Hetmyer, RR are still in search of their optimal XI.
A win against CSK thanks to a Nitish Rana special was a relief, but consistency remains elusive. With Sanju Samson back as captain after injury, there’s hope of rebalancing the squad and stabilizing the campaign.
RR Likely XI:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Sanju Samson (C & WK)
- Nitish Rana
- Riyan Parag
- Dhruv Jurel
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Shimron Hetmyer
- Jofra Archer
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Tushar Deshpande
- Sandeep Sharma
- Impact: Shubham Dubey
Key Player Matchups to Watch
- Chahal vs Samson: Chahal has dismissed Sanju 5 times in 11 T20 innings. PBKS may unleash him in the Powerplay.
- Sandeep Sharma vs Iyer: Sandeep has Iyer’s number—3 dismissals in 9 innings, SR just 84.
- Hetmyer’s Batting Position: RR’s approach to Hetmyer’s entry point has been cautious, even overly so. Expect a promotion.
Spotlight Players
Prabhsimran Singh (PBKS)
He’s been with PBKS since 2019 but only has 5 IPL fifties. However, a recent 34-ball 69 signals maturity. Can he add consistency?
Yashasvi Jaiswal (RR)
A key cog in RR’s machine, but his start this season—just 32 balls faced—is underwhelming. Jaiswal needs a big knock to silence critics post his Goa switch in domestic cricket.
Home Advantage? Not Quite Yet
PBKS lost 4 of 5 games at Mullanpur in IPL 2024. The surface tends to be slow and spin-friendly, making totals around 170+ a stronghold for defending sides. Only twice in five games last year was 180 breached batting first.
Expect a low-scoring thriller where game awareness and spin management could dictate the winner.
Stats That Matter
- Samson is 1 win away from becoming RR’s most successful captain (currently tied with Shane Warne at 31 wins).
- Teams scoring 170+ while batting first have won 8 out of 9 matches at Mullanpur across T20s.
- Chahal returns to face RR, who let him go despite his 27 wickets and Purple Cap in 2022.
Big Question: Are RR Underutilizing Shimron Hetmyer?
In recent matches, Hetmyer came in at No. 8 vs KKR and No. 7 vs CSK, even behind bowlers. While RR argue they’re focused on entry points and matchups, are they missing out on one of their best finishers?
Hetmyer’s power and composure are tailor-made for pressure overs—not warming the bench until the 18th.
Prediction: A PBKS Statement at Home?
RR are unpredictable but talented. PBKS are measured, composed, and hungry. If the top order clicks again and Chahal strikes early, PBKS may finally turn Mullanpur into a fortress.
Prediction Verdict:
- PBKS win chance: 60%
- RR win chance: 40%
- If PBKS bat first and post 175+, they are favorites
- If RR can use Archer and Theekshana early and restrict Iyer–Maxwell axis, game on
The PBKS vs RR IPL 2025 clash isn’t just about points—it’s about narratives. For PBKS, it’s about breaking their home jinx. For RR, it’s about finding consistency and unlocking their best players at the right time. Whatever happens, expect drama, spin, and a few surprises under the Mullanpur lights.
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