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Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals – IPL 2025 Showdown as Mullanpur Hosts Its First Home Game

Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals – Form, Firepower, and the Fight for Home Turf Advantage

Saturday night’s IPL 2025 clash between Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals isn’t just another league fixture. It’s a battle of two teams that have had contrasting trajectories in the season so far and even more contrasting histories when it comes to stability and home comfort. While Punjab Kings are still trying to figure out how to make Mullanpur their true stronghold, Rajasthan Royals arrive hoping their bounce-back win over Chennai Super Kings can be a launchpad.

Punjab Kings will finally step onto their “home” turf Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium after two away wins that have made many take a second look at their potential. If IPL 2024 was a maze of inconsistency, IPL 2025 looks like it could be their map to redemption. Rajasthan, meanwhile, have had a bumpy start but showed promise in their last game.

The spotlight is firmly on the Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals contest, and there’s plenty to unpack.

Punjab Kings aim to break the Mullanpur curse

For a team known more for mid-season collapses than playoff finishes, Punjab Kings have looked refreshingly composed in IPL 2025. Under Shreyas Iyer’s leadership and with Ricky Ponting mentoring from the dugout, PBKS have managed to stitch together two wins away from home. That’s more than just points on the board it’s confidence, clarity, and cohesion in a unit long known for chaos.

However, their record at Mullanpur tells a different tale. PBKS lost four of five games here last season. With spin-friendly conditions and big boundaries, this venue neutralizes their usually aggressive style. But this season, the Kings have a better-balanced outfit. The top order, led by Prabhsimran Singh and Shreyas Iyer, has laid strong foundations, while Shashank Singh has made his presence felt with explosive hitting in the death overs.

The bowling unit, which now includes Yuzvendra Chahal ironically, Rajasthan’s former talisman offers a new level of control in the middle overs. Combine that with Marco Jansen’s awkward bounce and Arshdeep Singh’s dependable yorkers, and PBKS look equipped to thrive even on a slower surface.

Rajasthan Royals still searching for their ideal balance

On the other side of the Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals contest, RR are hoping the return of Sanju Samson as full-time captain will provide some stability. Samson, who was relegated to the Impact Player role due to injury, returns not just with the gloves but with the responsibility of realigning a team that hasn’t looked settled.

The biggest concern for the Royals is their batting top order. Yashasvi Jaiswal, one of their biggest match-winners in 2023 and 2024, is clearly out of touch. His troubles against short-pitched bowling continue to haunt him, and until he finds a rhythm, the pressure will mount on the middle order.

RR’s bowling, however, has started to gel. Jofra Archer looked sharper in the last outing, while Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana have offered genuine wicket-taking threats. Sandeep Sharma’s knack for dismissing key batters like Iyer and Maxwell gives them a strategic advantage, especially at Mullanpur where variations in pace are often more valuable than raw speed.

Middle order matchups and the Hetmyer dilemma

Another angle in this Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals battle is the curious case of Shimron Hetmyer’s batting position. RR’s decision to consistently send him in at No. 7 or 8 has baffled observers. With his power-hitting abilities, Hetmyer is a natural No. 5. Pushing him lower dilutes his impact, especially when it means he walks in with just a few overs to play.

Meanwhile, PBKS are benefiting from the exact opposite. Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, and Glenn Maxwell have all been used dynamically depending on match situations. It’s this fluidity that allows Punjab to adapt quickly whether it’s chasing or setting a total.

A historic twist: Chahal faces his old mates

The sub-plot that could define the Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals encounter is Yuzvendra Chahal bowling to Sanju Samson. The two shared a brilliant phase at RR, with Chahal even winning the Purple Cap for the franchise in 2022. This time, he’s in red, and his record against Samson (five dismissals in 11 innings) is the stuff match-ups are made of.

Chahal also has a good record against Nitish Rana and could be used strategically in the powerplay. If the pitch offers any grip at all, Chahal’s presence might tilt the game in Punjab’s favor.

What to expect in Mullanpur: Slow track, spin test

This venue is still establishing its identity, but early signs suggest bowlers especially spinners enjoy bowling here. In IPL 2024, spinners averaged an economy rate of 7.08 at Mullanpur, the lowest among all IPL venues that year. That stat alone makes bowlers like Hasaranga and Chahal valuable weapons.

The average first innings score at this ground is around 170–180. Only two 200+ totals have ever been posted in 28 T20s played here. Teams winning the toss will likely want to bat first and make use of a fresh pitch, while setting a challenging target that can be defended under the lights.

Key players to watch: Prabhsimran, Jaiswal, Shashank Singh

The Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals clash will be shaped by individuals who either rediscover form or continue to make headlines. For Punjab, Prabhsimran Singh is finally showing signs of the maturity that the franchise has patiently waited for. His quick-fire 69 last week was a statement of intent.

Rajasthan, though, are counting on Jaiswal to break free from the shackles. The left-hander has faced 32 deliveries this season without making an impact. A big knock is overdue, and Mullanpur might just be the venue for his resurgence.

And keep an eye on Shashank Singh, who boasts a strike rate of 232.46 in the death overs since IPL 2024 second best among players with a minimum of 75 balls faced. His presence at the back end gives Punjab genuine firepower.