Match 59 of IPL 2025 is set to unfold at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on May 18, where the Rajasthan Royals (RR) will lock horns with the in-form Punjab Kings (PBKS). While the Royals are playing for pride after a disappointing season, the Kings have a lot more at stake as they continue their push toward the playoffs.
Rajasthan Royals find themselves languishing near the bottom of the table, managing just three wins from twelve outings. Injuries, inconsistency, and underwhelming performances have derailed their campaign. On the other hand, Punjab Kings have turned a corner this season, registering seven wins in eleven games and looking every bit like serious playoff contenders—a rare high in their recent IPL history.
Historically, RR have had the upper hand in this rivalry with 16 wins in 28 clashes, but PBKS are carrying stronger momentum into this face-off.
ALSO READ: Match 59 (RR vs PBKS) – 3 Player Battles To Watch Out For
The pitch at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium offers a balanced contest, ideal for T20 cricket. Early on, pacers can exploit some seam movement, while batters can settle in and accelerate later. Spinners may play a role in the middle overs. Dew is expected in the evening, making chasing the preferred strategy. A high-scoring encounter could be on the cards.
Rajasthan Royals (RR)
Sanju Samson’s return comes as a much-needed boost for Rajasthan Royals, who have struggled under stand-in captain Riyan Parag. Aside from a solitary win against Chennai Super Kings, RR’s campaign has lacked spark. The batting unit still revolves around Samson, with Shimron Hetmyer expected to play the finisher’s role. For RR to stay competitive, the form of young guns Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel will be crucial, especially in building or chasing big totals.
Probable XII: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson(c/w), Nitish Rana, Ryan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Wanindu Hasaranga, Shimron Hetmyer, Jofra Archer, Mahesh Theekshana, Tushar Deshpande, Sandeep Sharma, Shubham Dubey
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
Punjab Kings are riding a wave of momentum under the astute leadership of Shreyas Iyer. The skipper has hit back-to-back fifties and already equalled his six-hitting count from last season, smashing 13 in just two games. Iyer’s tactical nous has been equally impressive—he’s earned praise for his sharp field placements and clever deployment of Glenn Maxwell’s off-spin, which has even outshone Yuzvendra Chahal so far this season.
Probable XII: Prabhsimran Singh (w), Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer (c), Shashank Singh, Markus Stoinis, Glen Maxwell, Suryansh Shedge, Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen, Arshdeep Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal, Nehal Wadhera
Fantasy XI Suggestion 1:
Sanju Samson, Shreyas Iyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal (VC), Nehal Wadhera, Wanindu Hasaranga, Riyan Parag, Marco Jansen, Marcus Stoinis, Arshdeep Singh, Jofra Archer, Sandeep Sharma
Fantasy XI Suggestion 2:
Prabhsimran Singh, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Shreyas Iyer (c), Priyansh Arya (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Marco Jansen, Wainindu Hasaranga, Arshdeep Singh, Maheesh Theekshana, Yuzvendra Chahal
