RR vs PBKS Toss Update, IPL 2025: Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings Playing 11, Captain's Quotes, Pitch Report

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RR vs PBKS Toss, Playing 11 Update for IPL 2025: Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer opted to bat first after winning the toss against Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Rajasthan on May 18, 2025 (Saturday).

After winning the toss, Shreyas Iyer said: We are going to bat first. The wicket looks fantastic, know how it plays here. The powerhouse has been our batting, so got to make the best use of it. Everyone is in high spirits. The mindset has been strong. Trying to make the best use of the sources. Kudos to the Army forces. Mitch Owen, Jansen, Omarzai are playing.

Meanwhile RR captain Sanju Samson said: Wanted to bowl first after how the pitch behaved in the last game against RCB. Let's see how it plays out today. I am okay, hundred percent fit. I would love to respect where he (Suryavanshi) is batting. He has played well for us. I will bat down the order, I come in for Nitish Rana. Maphaka comes in for Jofra Archer.

RR vs PBKS Playing XIs

Rajasthan Royals (Playing XI): Virat Kohli, Philip Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar(c), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma(w), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal.

Punjab Kings (Playing XI): Rachin Ravindra, Ruturaj Gaikwad(c), Rahul Tripathi, Deepak Hooda, Sam Curran, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni(w), Ravichandran Ashwin, Noor Ahmad, Matheesha Pathirana, Khaleel Ahmed.

RR vs PBKS Pitch Report

The pitch in Jaipur have generally favoured high-scoring encounters this season, and another batting-friendly surface is expected for this clash. However, as the game progresses, spinners could come into play with some assistance from the surface.

The toss-winning captain is likely to opt for bowling first, with a competitive total projected to be around 180. Fast bowlers haven't found much support from the pitch, and with this being a day match, there's unlikely to be significant swing on offer. Therefore, pacers who operate during the middle overs and at the death are likely to be more effective selections.

On the other hand, spinners are expected to have a greater impact in the second innings as the pitch begins to offer more turn. As a result, it's advisable to choose spinners from the team bowling second. Overall, considering how batting-friendly the conditions have been, it would be wise to prioritize batters over bowlers when forming your fantasy or playing XI.