The 18th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 will see Punjab Kings (PBKS) take on Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Chandigarh on April 5, 2025, at 7:30 PM IST.
Both teams are looking to secure vital points as they navigate through the tournament.
Match Overview
- Fixture: Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals
- Date: April 5, 2025
- Time: 7:30 PM IST
- Venue: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Chandigarh
- Live Streaming: JioHotstar, Star Sports Network
PBKS vs RR Team Updates
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
Punjab Kings enter this match under Shreyas Iyer’s leadership. He is looking to build on his team’s recent performances.
After a mixed start to the season, PBKS will be eager to capitalize on their home advantage and secure a crucial victory.
Key Players to Watch:
- Shreyas Iyer (C): The captain has been a consistent performer and will need to lead from the front with his batting.
- Arshdeep Singh: A key bowler for PBKS, Singh’s ability to take wickets at crucial moments can turn the game in their favor.
- Marcus Stoinis: Known for his all-round capabilities, Stoinis can provide explosive batting and effective bowling.
Rajasthan Royals (RR)
Rajasthan Royals come into this match with confidence after a strong start to IPL 2025. With a balanced squad featuring both experienced players and young talent, RR aims to maintain their winning momentum.
Key Players to Watch:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: The aggressive opener has been in great form and is expected to give RR a flying start.
- Shimron Hetmyer: Known for his power-hitting ability, Hetmyer can be a game-changer in the death overs.
- Wanindu Hasaranga: The experienced spinner will play a crucial role in containing PBKS’s batting lineup.
Pitch Report
The pitch at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium generally favors batters with good pace and bounce.
Spinners may find assistance as the match progresses, particularly during the second innings. Historically, teams batting first have had an advantage here if they post scores above 170 runs.
- Average first innings score: ~165 runs
- Teams batting first win percentage: ~55%
Weather Conditions
The weather forecast for Chandigarh indicates clear skies with temperatures around 28°C during match time.
Dew is expected to play a significant role in the second innings, aiding batters and making it challenging for bowlers to grip the ball effectively.
Match Insights
Both teams bring unique strengths into this contest:
- Punjab Kings (PBKS) will rely on their explosive top order led by Shreyas Iyer and Marcus Stoinis while leveraging their bowling attack featuring Arshdeep Singh and other pace options to counter RR’s batting threats.
- Rajasthan Royals (RR) will look to capitalize on Yashasvi Jaiswal’s aggressive starts and Shimron Hetmyer’s finishing abilities while utilizing Yuzvendra Chahal’s spin to challenge PBKS’s lineup effectively.
