The 18th match of IPL 2025 will feature Punjab Kings (PBKS) playing their first home game of the season against Rajasthan Royals (RR). PBKS, led by Shreyas Iyer, is currently undefeated after two solid wins, while RR has just bounced back with a win over CSK and welcomes back Sanju Samson as captain.
Match: Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals
Date & Time: Saturday, April 5, 2025, 7:30 PM IST
Venue: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, Chandigarh
Live Telecast & Streaming: Star Sports Network, JioHotstar
Both teams are aiming to gain momentum in the tournament, and this clash is expected to be thrilling with in-form players on both sides.
Read Also:- PBKS vs RR Dream11 Prediction
Pitch Report – Mullanpur Stadium
The Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Stadium in Mullanpur is a new venue in IPL but has already offered balanced contests. Batting is comfortable in the first innings, while spinners get some help as the match progresses.
- Average First Innings Score: 167
- Matches Won Batting First: 2
- Matches Won Chasing: 3
Toss Decision: Teams prefer to bowl first here.
Weather Report – Chandigarh
The weather is expected to be clear with no rain interruptions. Temperature could reach around 34°C with moderate humidity, making it perfect for an uninterrupted match.
Head-to-Head Record (PBKS vs RR)
| Total Matches | PBKS Won | RR Won |
|---|---|---|
| 28 | 12 | 16 |
Last 5 Matches:
- 2024: RR won by 3 wkts (Mullanpur)
- 2024: PBKS won by 5 wkts (Guwahati)
- 2023: PBKS won by 5 runs
- 2023: RR won by 4 wkts
- 2022: RR won by 6 wkts
Key Stat: RR has won 3 of the last 5 encounters, including at this very venue.
See Also:- PBKS vs RR Head to Head
PBKS vs RR Toss Prediction – Who Will Win the Toss?
Based on past records and toss stats at Mullanpur:
Toss Winner Prediction: Rajasthan Royals
Reason: RR have won the toss in 4 of their last 5 meetings against PBKS and are likely to call it right again.
Toss Decisions & Match Results – PBKS vs RR IPL Recent Seasons
| Year | Match | Venue | Toss Winner | Toss Decision | Match Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | PBKS vs RR (27th Match) | Mullanpur | Rajasthan Royals | Opted to bowl | RR won by 3 wickets |
| 2024 | RR vs PBKS (65th Match) | Guwahati | Rajasthan Royals | Opted to bat | PBKS won by 5 wickets |
| 2023 | RR vs PBKS (8th Match) | Guwahati | Rajasthan Royals | Opted to bowl | PBKS won by 5 runs |
| 2023 | PBKS vs RR (66th Match) | Dharamsala | Rajasthan Royals | Opted to bowl | RR won by 4 wickets |
| 2022 | PBKS vs RR (52nd Match) | Wankhede, Mumbai | Punjab Kings | Opted to bat | RR won by 6 wickets |
Match Prediction – Who Will Win Today’s IPL Match?
Scenario 1: RR wins the toss and bowls first
- PBKS likely to score: 180–190
- RR to chase successfully
Scenario 2: PBKS wins the toss and bowls first
- RR likely to score: 170–180
- PBKS to chase with difficulty
Match Winner Prediction: Punjab Kings
Even if RR wins the toss, PBKS’s current form, strong top order, and Iyer’s leadership at home give them the edge.
Probable Playing XIs
Punjab Kings (PBKS):
Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Suryansh Shedge, Marco Jansen, Lockie Ferguson, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh
Impact Player: Nehal Wadhera / Harpreet Brar
Rajasthan Royals (RR):
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson (c), Nitish Rana, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Sandeep Sharma, Tushar Deshpande
Impact Player: Kumar Kartikeya / Shubham Dubey
Key Players to Watch
| Team | Player | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| PBKS | Shreyas Iyer | Two back-to-back unbeaten fifties, 149 runs so far |
| PBKS | Arshdeep Singh | 5 wickets in 2 matches, strong at death overs |
| RR | Sanju Samson | Back as captain, has solid record vs PBKS |
| RR | Wanindu Hasaranga | 5 wickets in 2 games, turning matches with spin |
Final Verdict:
- Toss Winner: Rajasthan Royals
- Match Winner: Punjab Kings
PBKS look stronger in form, while RR will need an inspired performance to stop their momentum.
