The 36th match of IPL 2025 is set to be a pivotal clash as Rajasthan Royals (RR) host Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Saturday. Both teams enter this contest on the back of losses—RR suffered a narrow super-over defeat to Delhi Capitals, while LSG were outclassed by Chennai Super Kings. While LSG aim to reclaim consistency and push for a top-four finish, RR are looking to revive their struggling campaign.
The pitch at Sawai Mansingh Stadium generally offers assistance to bowlers, especially with the larger boundaries restricting big hits. Of the 58 IPL matches played here, teams chasing have won 38, making the toss crucial.
LSG have been one of the more balanced units this season with four wins in seven games. Nicholas Pooran has emerged as their batting mainstay, ably supported by Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram. In the bowling department, Shardul Thakur leads the pace attack, with Digvesh Rathi and Ravi Bishnoi delivering key performances in the spin unit.
RR, currently placed eighth, have only two wins from seven matches, but flashes of individual brilliance keep them in contention. Yashasvi Jaiswal, Nitish Rana, and Jofra Archer are expected to shoulder the responsibility. The availability of skipper Sanju Samson, who’s nursing a minor injury, remains a crucial factor in RR’s game plan.
In their brief head-to-head history, RR dominate with four wins in five meetings. LSG’s only win came in 2023, with the Royals sealing both victories last season. Let’s now dive into the key player battles that could shape this encounter.
#1 Nicholas Pooran vs Wanindu Hasaranga
The in-form Nicholas Pooran has been a standout performer this season, leading the Orange Cap race with 357 runs at a staggering strike rate of 208.77. However, Hasaranga has dismissed him twice in seven previous T20 encounters and will look to exploit any weakness, despite an expensive economy of 9.77 this season.
#2 Nitish Rana vs Digvesh Singh Rathi
Nitish Rana versus Digvesh Singh Rathi is another intriguing middle-over clash. Rana, fresh from a blistering fifty, has taken down spinners at will in IPL 2025, boasting a strike rate of 193.02. Meanwhile, Rathi has emerged as a surprise package, combining his unorthodox spin with tight economy (7.42) and bagging nine wickets so far.
#3 Mitchell Marsh vs Jofra Archer
At the top of the order, Mitchell Marsh’s showdown with Jofra Archer promises early fireworks. Marsh, striking at 171.51 this season, has the ability to take the game away in the powerplay. But Archer, with five of his seven wickets coming in that crucial phase, will aim to knock him over early.
