Match 59 of IPL 2025 brings together two teams with contrasting journeys this season—Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS)—as they face off at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on May 18. While the Royals have endured a forgettable campaign, managing just three wins in 12 games and exiting the playoff race early, the Kings have scripted a rare turnaround, boasting seven wins from 11 matches and eyeing a top-four finish.
Jaipur’s iconic venue is known for its fair balance between bat and ball, but in afternoon games, the surface tends to open up, offering more grip and turn for the spinners. Interestingly, RR have struggled at their home turf this season, losing three out of four games at this venue—indicative of their broader issues across all departments.
Injuries have hampered the Royals’ campaign, with star pacer Jofra Archer ruled out for the remainder of the season. However, pride is still at stake, and RR would be keen to play spoilsport in the Kings’ playoff pursuit. On the other side, PBKS have looked settled, particularly with the top order firing and skipper Shreyas Iyer showing maturity in managing his bowling unit.
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Historically, RR enjoy a slight edge over PBKS, with 17 wins in 29 outings. Even more telling, they’ve dominated in Jaipur, winning five of their six matches against Punjab at home. With playoffs within touching distance, PBKS will look to seal their position, if they can hold off a wounded Royals unit.
The Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings encounter promises some mouth-watering individual matchups, each capable of turning the game on its head.
#1 Prabhsimran Singh vs Tushar Deshpande
Prabhsimran Singh has been in red-hot form, hammering four consecutive fifties, including one in the abandoned match against Delhi Capitals. His explosive strike rate of 163.92 in the powerplay makes him a danger up front. With Jofra Archer ruled out, RR will rely on Tushar Deshpande to make early inroads. However, Deshpande’s powerplay economy of 13 poses a concern, and taming Prabhsimran won’t be easy.
#2 Riyan Parag vs Yuzvendra Chahal
Riyan Parag has been RR’s brightest spark, striking at 170.58 and averaging 61 against spin this season. But Chahal knows him well, having bowled 15 balls without conceding a boundary or a dismissal—just eight runs. A fascinating battle awaits.
#3 Yashasvi Jaiswal vs Arshdeep Singh
Yashasvi Jaiswal has hit top gear after a slow start, racking up 473 runs at a brisk 154.57 strike rate. He’ll be up against Arshdeep Singh in the early overs. The left-arm quick has dismissed Jaiswal twice in six meetings while conceding just 36 off 29 balls. With a tidy powerplay economy of 7 and 8 wickets, Arshdeep remains Punjab’s go-to bowler with the new ball.
