RR vs PBKS: Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings Kick-off Nepal Time, Preview

The heat is on in Jaipur as Rajasthan Royals (RR) go head-to-head with Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a crucial IPL 2025 showdown. With the playoffs approaching, both sides need points, and this afternoon game at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium could prove decisive.

RR return home, looking to bounce back with their mix of youth and experience. Sanju Samson leads a squad that’s been solid, especially when playing on familiar turf. The Royals’ young Indian core—backed by overseas firepower like Hetmyer and Jofra Archer—gives them a balanced look.

PBKS, meanwhile, are unpredictable but dangerous. With players like Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, and Shreyas Iyer in their ranks, they’re capable of turning matches in a few overs. But consistency has been an issue, and they’ll need to be sharp to tame the Royals in their own den.

Expect spin battles, big hits, and some tight finishes as both teams fight for IPL survival.

Match Details
Fixture: Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings
Match: 59th Match, IPL 2025
Date: Sunday, May 18, 2025
Time: 3:45 PM Nepal Time
Venue: Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur

RR Squad vs PBKS
Playing XI Options:
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shimron Hetmyer, Shubham Dubey, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Sanju Samson, Dhruv Jurel, Kunal Singh Rathore, Riyan Parag, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Tushar Deshpande, Akash Madhwal

Bowling & Bench Strength:
Kumar Kartikeya, Kwena Maphaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Ashok Sharma, Jofra Archer, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Nandre Burger

PBKS Squad vs RR
Playing XI Options:
Nehal Wadhera, Harnoor Singh, Shreyas Iyer, Musheer Khan, Pyla Avinash, Prabhsimran Singh, Vishnu Vinod, Josh Inglis, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Praveen Dubey

Impact Players Pool:
Priyansh Arya, Azmatullah Omarzai, Aaron Hardie, Marco Jansen, Harpreet Brar, Suryansh Shedge, Shashank Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Xavier Bartlett, Kuldeep Sen, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Yash Thakur, Mitchell Owen

What to Watch For
Sanju’s calm vs Maxwell’s chaos
Hasaranga’s spin battle with Iyer
Death overs—Akash Madhwal vs Stoinis showdown

All set for a dramatic afternoon in Jaipur. Keep your popcorn ready.