RR Playing XI vs PBKS -18th Match, IPL 2025 | Rajasthan Royals Best Playing XI for Today’s Match

RR Playing XI vs PBKS  IPL 2025: Rajasthan Royals (RR) will look to build on their momentum as they take on Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Match 18 of IPL 2025, set to be played on Saturday (April 5) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, Chandigarh.

After a slow start to their season, RR finally bounced back with a narrow win against Chennai Super Kings and will now aim to grab their second win.

Let’s take a detailed look at the Rajasthan Royals’ probable Playing XI for this important clash.

Rajasthan Royals (RR) Playing XI vs (PBKS) Punjab Kings IPL 2025

Openers: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson

• Yashasvi Jaiswal has not been in his best touch this season. With scores of 12, 7, and 4 so far, the talented left-hander is under pressure to deliver. However, he is still expected to open the innings due to his past performances and potential to explode at the top.

• Sanju Samson, who is returning to captaincy duties after playing the first three matches as a pure batsman, will open alongside Jaiswal. He scored a fifty in the opener but couldn’t replicate that in the next two games. A big knock from the skipper is much needed for RR.

Middle-order: Riyan Parag, Nitish Rana, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Shimron Hetmayer, Shubham Dube, Wanindu Hasaranaga

• Nitish Rana was the star of the last game, smashing 81 runs off 36 balls with 10 boundaries and five sixes. His return to form is a major boost for RR.

• Riyan Parag, who led the team in earlier games, will now play with more freedom. He got a start in the last match with 37 runs and will look to convert it into a big score.

• Dhruv Jurel, the wicketkeeper-batter, has struggled for runs. However, RR is likely to back him, hoping he can bounce back under pressure.

• Shimron Hetmyer is expected to play the finisher’s role. He managed 19 runs in the last match and will again hold the key in the death overs.

• Wanindu Hasaranga may not have impressed with the bat, but his bowling was outstanding against CSK. He took 4 wickets, proving his all-round value in the playing XI.

Also Check: PBKS vs RR Match Preview- IPL 2025, Match 18

Bowlers: Jofra Archer, Sandeep Sharma, Tushar Deshpande, Maheesh Theekshana

• Jofra Archer brings pace and experience to the side. Though wicketless in the last match, he remains a match-winner on any day.

• Maheesh Theekshana, the mystery spinner, is expected to continue after a tidy spell against CSK. His variations can trouble PBKS batters.

• Sandeep Sharma and Tushar Deshpande form the Indian pace unit. Both are experienced and bowled crucial overs in the last game. RR will expect them to be disciplined and effective in the powerplay and death overs.

Rajasthan Royals Playing XI vs PBKS – IPL 2025 Match 11

Match Strategy – How RR Can Beat PBKS?

1. Early wickets are crucial – PBKS’s openers are in form. RR’s Pacers must strike early.
2. The middle order must fire – RR’s struggles in the middle overs have cost them games. Samson, Hetmyer, and Jurel must step up.
3. A spin attack is the key – Theekshana and Hasaranga can dominate PBKS’s batters
4. Death overs discipline – Sandeep Sharma & Tushar Deshpande must avoid leaking runs in the final overs.

RR Seek Stability Against In-Form PBKS

Rajasthan Royals will enter this clash with a renewed sense of belief after their win against CSK. However, they still need consistency from their top order and discipline in their bowling to challenge the high-flying Punjab Kings. With experienced match-winners like Jofra Archer, Sanju Samson, and Hasaranga in the ranks, RR will back themselves to deliver a strong performance.

The upcoming game is not just another league fixture—it’s a big test of RR’s balance and temperament. If their key players click together, we could be in for a thrilling contest at Mullanpur.

Also Check:

• PBKS’s Probable Playing XI vs RR – IPL 2025 Match 18