While Punjab Kings have ensured a strong start to their fresh chapter in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 under the new leadership of captain Shreyas Iyer and coach Ricky Ponting, their next challenge against Rajasthan Royals under returning skipper Sanju Samson is highly likely to prove to be a new test. The Mullanpur clash will be crucial for both sides at this early stage of the competition, specifically for the Royals, who have had a somewhat erratic start to their season.
While the match marks a key moment for Rajasthan Royals, with Sanju Samson now confirmed to be returning to full-match action for the side and as their skipper after playing their initial three matches as a pure batter with all-rounder Riyan Parag leading the side, fans will also be hoping for this change to spark a shift in their fortunes—after having won just one out of their three matches. While RR would have received a slight boost to their confidence after clinching their first win of the season against Chennai Super Kings, their fresh challenge against PBKS, who have been in top form with two wins in two matches so far, will not let the Sanju Samson-led franchise look back at the past for even a second.
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PBKS, on the other hand, have had most of their plans carried out correctly, which has seen the side strive brilliantly under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer. Even his batting performances in both innings—an unbeaten 52 against Lucknow Super Giants and an unbeaten 97 against Gujarat Titans—have kept his name in focus heading into the big match.
HEAD-TO-HEAD: PBKS vs RR
When it comes to their head-to-head tally in IPL, it is Rajasthan Royals who hold the edge with a 16-11 lead over Punjab Kings, and with one of their matches ending in a tie. The last time these two sides faced off, which came in IPL 2024 in a Guwahati clash, it was PBKS who won the showdown at their home by five wickets.
Team News: PBKS vs RR
Rajasthan Royals’ regular choice skipper Sanju Samson is all set to return as the side’s leader as his return to full-match action was confirmed by the side ahead of the Mullanpur showdown. Samson will take over the captaincy role from Riyan Parag, who guided RR to only one win i their three matches so far this season.
Punjab Kings (Predicted XI): Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer (C), Nehal Wadhera, Glenn Maxwell, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Lockie Ferguson, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal
Impact sub: Harpreet Brar
Rajasthan Royals (Predicted XI): Sanju Samson (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Rana, Shimron Hetmyer, Wanindu Hasaranga, Sandeep Sharma, Tushar Deshpande, Maheesh Theekshana, Jofra Archer
Impact sub: Shubham Dubey
PBKS vs RR: Mullanpur pitch report
While the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur has not been one for the big totals, with the likes of 180–190 being considered par on the surface when it comes to batting, Mumbai Indians’ 192 on this surface last season remains the highest IPL total on this ground. While spinners have overall enjoyed favour on this pitch, both sides will be expected to find some turn.
PBKS vs RR: Chandigarh weather forecast
While the temperature at Chandigarh is expected to be subtle, ranging from 34 to 25 degrees Celsius, it is the humidity that will play the key role in the clash between PBKS and RR because of the dew factor. With humidity ranging from 16–29%, there might be some dew that comes into play.
PBKS vs RR: Top Fantasy picks
Punjab Kings:
- Shreyas Iyer
- Prabhsimran Singh
- Nehal Wadhera
- Arshdeep Singh
Rajasthan Royals:
- Riyan Parag
- Dhruv Jurel
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Sandeep Sharma
