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IPL 2025: Playoff PBKS Eye Top-Two Finish, RR Look to Rebuild with Youth and Pride
As IPL 2025 approaches its final stretch, the upcoming clash between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) carries contrasting stakes. For PBKS, it’s all about securing a top-two finish and carrying momentum into the playoffs. For RR, pride and future-building take center stage after another disappointing season.
With 15 points and three games left, PBKS are within touching distance of qualification. Two wins guarantee them a playoff berth, and a top-two finish — a feat they haven’t achieved since 2014 — is well within reach. The replay of the abandoned Dharamsala match against DC offers a crucial lifeline, one Ponting will be eager to capitalize on.
Ponting’s Familiar Challenge
Head coach Ricky Ponting has been here before. In 2021, under similar circumstances with Delhi Capitals, he guided them to a top-table finish despite a mid-season Covid pause. The situation with PBKS mirrors that challenge — momentum management and team composure during disruptions.
However, PBKS haven’t had a smooth ride. The overseas exits of Josh Inglis and Marcus Stoinis have forced changes in team dynamics. Their absence paves the way for Mitch Owen, the breakout star of BBL 2024-25, to potentially make his IPL debut. The middle order is likely to see a new look, especially with Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh cementing themselves as the top-order pairing.
RR Focus on Youth and Redemption
Rajasthan Royals have endured a rough season, with just three wins from 12 games. Out of playoff contention, they now turn their focus to identifying long-term assets and regaining some pride.
Among the silver linings is Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the 14-year-old prodigy who smashed a record 35-ball century against Gujarat Titans. His fearlessness at the top has caught the imagination of fans and analysts alike. Riyan Parag, too, has shown signs of promise, with a stunning 95 in their last outing at Eden Gardens.
However, bowling remains a concern. With Jofra Archer absent and Sandeep Sharma injured, RR’s pace attack has been toothless. Their pace unit has the worst average (52.1) in the tournament, and despite bringing in Nandre Burger, the void remains.
Key Players to Watch
- Sanju Samson: Back from a side strain, Samson reclaims the captaincy and likely slots in at No. 3. His leadership and stability will be vital for RR’s final push.
- Priyansh Arya & Prabhsimran Singh: PBKS’ opening duo has been electric. With 534 runs between them — second-best in the league — they’ve been crucial to the team’s success. When one of them scores 45+, PBKS wins. When both fail, PBKS loses.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: After a slow start, Jaiswal has bounced back with four fifties in seven innings, making RR’s top order quietly dangerous.
Probable XIs
Rajasthan Royals:
Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson (c, wk), Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Shubham Dubey, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Tushar Deshpande, Kwena Maphaka
Punjab Kings:
Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Shreyas Iyer (c), Mitch Owen, Nehal Wadhera, Azmatullah Omarzai, Shashank Singh, Harpreet Brar, Marco Jansen, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal
What’s at Stake
- PBKS: A chance to break their 11-year drought of finishing in the top two and boost their playoff positioning.
- RR: An opportunity to nurture youth, test bench strength, and end the season with pride.
With form, momentum, and dreams of playoff glory in the mix, this encounter could very well be a defining moment in the 2025 IPL season.
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