Rajasthan Royals Practice Match 2025 Scorecard | Rajasthan Royals Intra-Squad Practice Match Sets the Tone for IPL 2025

Rajasthan Royals Intra-Squad Practice Match Highlights (IPL 2025)

Rajasthan Royals kicked off their IPL 2025 preparations with a high-energy intra-squad practice match at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. The match, played in front of an enthusiastic crowd, showcased the team’s batting firepower, with young guns stepping up in an action-packed contest. Team A set a massive total of 204/4 in 20 overs, only for Team B to pull off a thrilling chase, winning in the final overs. The game saw Sanju Samson returning from injury, Dhruv Jurel and Shubham Dubey smashing quick-fire fifties, and a 13-year-old prodigy, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, impressing with fearless hitting. With promising performances across the board, Rajasthan Royals' squad looks set for an exciting IPL season.

Match Summary and Key Stats

First Innings: Team A posted a dominant 204/4 in 20 overs, with explosive knocks from Yashasvi Jaiswal (58 off 31) and Riyan Parag (55 off 28) leading the charge. Skipper Sanju Samson, returning from injury, played a composed knock, while teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi made an impact in a brief cameo.

Second Innings: Team B’s chase was spearheaded by Dhruv Jurel (62 off 23) and Shubham Dubey (53 off 22), who formed a match-winning partnership. The finishing touches came in a dramatic final-over finish, sealing a memorable victory.

???????????? Bad News + Good News for Rajasthan Royals

Tushar Deshpande Bowled Yashasvi Jaiswal in RR Practice Match pic.twitter.com/slnoqCgOgQ

— Soorma (@sosoorma) March 17, 2025

Star Performances from the Practice Match

Sanju Samson’s Return and Power-Hitting

The biggest takeaway from the match was Sanju Samson’s return to action. Having recovered from a finger injury, the Rajasthan Royals captain looked in good touch, smashing a signature short-arm pull six off left-arm pacer Kwena Maphaka that soared over mid-wicket. The shot drew loud cheers and highlighted Samson’s natural power, reassuring fans that he’s back to full fitness ahead of IPL 2025.

Jaiswal and Parag Lead Team A’s Batting Surge

Yashasvi Jaiswal was at his fluent best, blasting 58 off 31 balls to provide a strong start for Team A. His innings was packed with crisp strokes and authoritative drives, setting the platform for a big total. Riyan Parag followed with a fiery 55 off 28 balls, continuing his strong domestic form and playing an aggressive middle-order knock that propelled Team A past the 200-run mark.

Dhruv Jurel and Shubham Dubey Steal the Show in Chase

In the second innings, Dhruv Jurel played the innings of the match, hammering 62 off just 23 balls. His fearless stroke play, including consecutive sixes in the death overs, kept Team B’s chase alive. Shubham Dubey complemented Jurel perfectly with 53 off 22 balls, forming a game-changing partnership that ensured a thrilling finish. Their aggressive approach put pressure on the bowlers and proved that Rajasthan Royals have serious finishing firepower heading into IPL 2025.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s Fearless Batting at Just 13

One of the biggest talking points from the match was the stunning performance of 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi. Given an opportunity to open the innings, the young prodigy impressed with his confident stroke play, launching multiple boundaries before falling early. Later, he was given another chance to bat toward the end, where he played a stunning square cut that raced to the boundary, showcasing his immense talent. His ability to take on senior bowlers at such a young age had even experienced players applauding. Skipper Sanju Samson later praised the teenager’s potential, stating that he looked “confident and ready for IPL-level cricket.”

Bowling Highlights: Kuldeep Sen Stands Out

While the match was dominated by batting, Kuldeep Sen was the pick of the bowlers, returning economical figures of 3–0–19–1. His ability to contain runs despite the flat batting conditions stood out.

Harsh Dubey, the Royals’ new left-arm spinner, was also in action. Though the wicket tally wasn’t officially recorded, Dubey’s performance was closely watched as the Royals assess his role ahead of the season. However, overall, the bowlers struggled, with erratic lines leading to expensive overs, something the coaching staff will be keen to rectify.

Key Moments and Takeaways

Samson’s Six Ignites the Crowd

The standout shot of the match belonged to Sanju Samson, who marked his return with a stunning six. The Royals’ captain picked up a length ball and effortlessly pulled it over mid-wicket, sending the stadium into a frenzy. The shot signaled that Samson is back at his best, a huge boost for Rajasthan’s IPL 2025 campaign.

Electrifying Atmosphere at Sawai Mansingh Stadium

Despite being a practice match, hundreds of fans turned up to watch the intra-squad game, bringing an electric atmosphere to Jaipur. Every boundary was met with loud cheers, and the crowd erupted when Samson, Jaiswal, and Jurel delivered big hits. The engagement from fans created a match-like intensity, helping players prepare for real-game scenarios.

Coach’s Observations: Strengths and Areas to Improve

Head coach Rahul Dravid and his support staff observed the match closely, focusing on both positives and areas needing improvement. While batting depth and finishing power looked strong, bowling discipline and fielding sharpness were noted as areas for refinement. A few dropped catches and loose overs in the death are aspects the Royals will address before IPL 2025.

Final Takeaways for Rajasthan Royals

1. Sanju Samson is back in form: His fluent stroke play and effortless six reaffirm his readiness for IPL 2025.

2. Explosive batting depth: Jaiswal, Parag, Jurel, and Dubey all delivered powerful performances, showcasing the Royals' ability to put up big scores.

3. Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s rise: The 13-year-old's confidence and raw power make him a prospect to watch in the coming years.

4. Bowling areas to tighten: While Kuldeep Sen impressed, the team will focus on improving discipline, especially in the death overs.

5. Squad morale is high: The exciting performances, strong camaraderie, and fan engagement suggest a confident mood in the Royals' camp ahead of IPL 2025.

With this high-energy practice match setting the tone, Rajasthan Royals look well-prepared for an explosive IPL 2025 season. If the performances from this game are any indication, expect fireworks, fearless cricket, and thrilling contests when the Royals take the field in the tournament.