Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
In the afternoon match of double-header Sunday in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 on May 18, the inaugural title winners, Rajasthan Royals (RR) are hosting the Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. However, the Royals will be playing for pride, the Shreyas Iyer-led PBKS are fighting for a spot in the final four and a win today will confirm their berth.
As the two skippers walked out for the toss, it was the visiting captain, Shreyas Iyer, decided to bat first. He backed his decision with the Punjab-based side boasting of their batting strength. “We are going to bat first. The wicket looks fantastic, know how it plays here. The powerhouse has been our batting, so got to make the best use of it,” Iyer said.
Sanju Samson replaces Nitish Rana; Kwena Maphaka comes in for Jofra Archer
When inquired of the overseas option, Iyer confirmed the names of Mitchell Owen, Marco Jansen and Azmatullah Omarzai as the side still awaits the return of Marcus Stonis and Josh Inglis. On the other hand, the home side, RR also saw a few changes as Sanju Samson returned at the helm after missing a few games due to side strain.
Speaking at the toss, Samson confirmed that he walks in place of Nitish Rana. The wicketkeeper-batter also added that young pacer Kwena Maphaka comes in place of Jofra Archer, as the latter is unlikely to join teh side after the halt.
RR vs PBKS IPl 2025 Playing XI
Rajasthan Royals: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Sanju Samson(w/c), Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel, Wanindu Hasaranga, Kwena Maphaka, Tushar Deshpande, Akash Madhwal, Fazalhaq Farooqi
Impact Subs: Kumar Kartikeya, Shubham Dubey, Ashok Sharma, Kunal Singh Rathore, Yudhvir Singh Charak
Punjab Kings: Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh(w), Shreyas Iyer(c), Shashank Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Mitchell Owen, Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal
Impact Subs: Vijaykumar Vyshak, Harpreet Brar, Praveen Dubey, Suryansh Shedge, Musheer Khan
