PBKS resume push for playoffs; Samson set to return for knocked-out RR
In the absence of Stoinis and Inglis, PBKS might turn to new recruits Mitch Owen and Kyle Jamieson
Shashank Kishore
17-May-2025 • 3 hrs ago
Big Picture
Ricky Ponting knows the challenge of navigating a disrupted season. In 2021, when he was with Delhi Capitals (DC), he coached them to a top-of-the-table finish before a Covid-induced mid-season pause. When the IPL resumed at the time, DC maintained the momentum to finish in the top two only to stumble in the playoffs.
Now with Punjab Kings (PBKS) in IPL 2025, Ponting has a familiar task: keeping a playoffs-bound team on track. PBKS, who are aiming for a top-two finish for the first time since 2014, currently sit on 15 points with three games left in the league stage. Two wins will guarantee qualification; they may sneak through with one, with help from other results. The abandoned game in Dharamsala against DC being replayed gives them a vital extra shot.
However, it hasn't been smooth sailing for PBKS. Two key overseas players, Josh Inglis and Marcus Stoinis haven't returned, forcing changes in team balance. Mitchell Owen, a BBL standout known for his exploits as an opener, could debut in the middle order, given how well Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh have clicked at the top.
While PBKS will chase a top-two finish, Rajasthan Royals (RR) are fighting to avoid the wooden spoon. With just three wins from 12 games, their playoff hopes are long gone, and the focus has now shifted to salvaging pride and shaping the future.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the 14-year-old who lit up the league with a 35-ball century against Gujarat Titans last month, offers hope for the future. Riyan Parag, who had earlier stood in as captain for Sanju Samson, also showed signs of resurgence, smashing 95 in his previous innings, at Eden Gardens, as RR almost chased down 207.
The batting has found some rhythm, but the bowling continues to flounder for RR. Injuries to Sandeep Sharma and the absence of Jofra Archer have left their pace attack short on quality and confidence. For context, Royals have the worst average (52.1) for a pace attack this season.
Form guide
Rajasthan Royals: LLWLL (last five completed matches, most recent first)
Punjab Kings: WWLWW
Punjab Kings: WWLWW
In the spotlight: Sanju Samson, Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh
Sanju Samson has cleared hit fitness test after a three-week absence due to a side strain. In his absence, young Suryavanshi impressed at the top with 155 runs in five innings at a strike rate of 209.45. With Yashasvi Jaiswal also back in form after a middling start to the season - he has hit four half-centuries in his last seven innings - Samson will probably have to slot in at No. 3.
Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya have been key to PBKS' success, consistently setting the tone in the powerplay. Their 534-run aggregate is the second highest this season, behind only Shubman Gill and B Sai Sudharsan (634). When either scores 45 or more, PBKS have won five games (plus two no results); when neither does, they've lost all three.
Team news and probable XIIs
RR are without Archer and the injured Sandeep, with left-arm seamer Nandre Burger brought in as Sandeep's replacement. Samson will take over the captaincy from Parag.
Rajasthan Royals: 1 Vaibhav Suryavanshi, 2 Yashasvi Jaiswal, 3 Sanju Samson (capt, wk), 4 Riyan Parag, 5 Dhruv Jurel, 6 Shimron Hetmyer, 7 Shubham Dubey, 8 Wanindu Hasaranga, 9 Maheesh Theekshana, 10 Tushar Deshpande, 11 Kwena Maphaka, 12 Akash Madhwal
PBKS will have to replace two overseas players. Owen, BBL 2024-25's breakout star, could be playing his first game in India. Kyle Jamieson, who has replaced Lockie Ferguson, could also get a game.
Punjab Kings: 1 Priyansh Arya, 2 Prabhsimran Singh, 3 Shreyas Iyer (capt), 4 Mitch Owen, 5 Nehal Wadhera, 6 Azmatullah Omarzai, 7 Shashank Singh, 8 Harpreet Brar, 9 Marco Jansen, 10 Arshdeep Singh, 11 Yuzvendra Chahal, 12 Kyle Jamieson
The big question
Pitch and conditions
Day-time temperatures in Jaipur are expected to reach a high of 42 degrees Celsius. The dry heat will test the players' fitness. RR believe the surface could be on the slower side. Since it's a 3.30pm start, dew is unlikely to be a factor.
Stats and Trivia
- Yashasvi Jaiswal (19) and Priyansh Arya (16) have hit the most sixes in the powerplay this season. Meanwhile, Parag's 12 sixes are the most by a batter in his first 10 balls.
- Arya's strike rate of 189 is the highest in the powerplay among batters who've faced at least 100 balls.
- Despite playing two seasoned overseas spinners in Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, RR have one of the highest economy rates among teams at 9.3 and an average of 37.40.
- RR have won only one out of eight matches chasing so far this season.
- PBKS have the second-highest powerplay run rate (10.4) this season.
Shashank Kishore is a senior correspondent at ESPNcricinfo