Jaipur’s Sawai ManSingh Stadium will host the 59th game of the ongoing IPL 2025. The game will feature Punjab Kings taking on the Rajasthan Royals on May 18, at 3:30 PM (IST). It will be a crucial and must-win game for Punjab Kings to strengthen their chances for the tournament’s knockout stage.
Shreyas Iyer’s men are currently placed in the third spot in the tournament’s points table, winning seven games while losing only three, alongside a ‘no-result’ game in their 11 games. They will aim to win this game and improve their numbers in the points tally.
Given that, here we’ll have a look at the predicted playing XI of the Punjab Kings for their next clash against the Rajasthan Royals.
Openers

Star in-form batter Prabhsimran Singh and young batter Priyansh Arya are expected to open the innings for PBKS in their next game against the Rajasthan Royals. Prasbhimran Singh smashed 91 runs off just 48 balls, with six fours and seven sixes in the previous clash against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
Priyansh Arya is also known for his brilliant power-hitting abilities in the tournament so far. The Priyansh-Prabhsimran duo could provide a big start to help their side post a big total on the board, be it in the first innings or while chasing the target.
Middle-Order

The number three of Punjab Kings’ batting lineup might be shuffled between skipper Shreyas Iyer and wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis. Inglis was promoted to number three in the last game against LSG, and he delivered up to the expectations, scoring 30 runs off just 14 balls, with one four and four sixes. Skipper Iyer played a blistering knock of 45 runs off 25 balls, with four fours and two sixes.
Later in the middle order, Nehal Wadhera and Marcus Stonis will be there to bat at numbers four and five, respectively. Wadhera scored 16 runs off just 9 balls, with two fours and a six in the previous game against LSG, followed by Stoinis’ 15 runs off 5 balls, with one four and a six. They could add some impactful runs in the middle overs.
All-Rounders

Star Afghanistan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai might be picked as a specialist all-rounder by PBKS management in the playing XI against RR. He impressed with his bowling performance against LSG, scalping 2 wickets at 33 runs in his four overs
Besides that, he might also have contributed with some crucial runs while batting lower down the order. His six-hitting abilities in the death overs might help his side to get an edge in the game.
Bowlers

The bowling attack of the Kings is expected to include three pacers, Marco Jansen, Vijay Kumar Vyshak, and Arshdeep Singh. The trio might also get support from the veteran spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who might be introduced as an impact player, replacing a specialist batter or vice versa.
Marco Jansen bagged a wicket in his four-over stint against LSG in the last game. Apart from him, star pacer Arshdeep Singh also bowled a sensational spell, picking up 3 wickets at just 16 runs in his four overs.
Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.