We have a double header of action in the Indian Premier League on Sunday and it begins in Jaipur where the IPL 2025 season resumes for the Rajasthan Royals and the Punjab Kings in what is a key game for the visitors.
Rajasthan Royals have had a season to forget and would probably have been happy for it not to resume as they can’t make the finals now but the Punjab Kings certainly can and will move into the top two with a win here.
Rajasthan Royals
It has been a very ordinary campaign for the Rajasthan Royals and while injuries haven’t necessarily helped them at certain times, they just haven’t been good enough for long enough and when they have been in matches with a chance to win more often than not they have fluffed their lines. You do have to wonder how the motivation levels for the Royals are going into this latter part of the campaign given that they have had more than a week off and return knowing they are just playing out time on the campaign.
It might be that the situation allows them to play with freedom and their better players come to the fore and remind everyone what they can do. If that is what happens then they have the potential to be a dangerous side but they are going to have to do without a couple of their overseas players who chose not to return with the season done so once again they are going to have to juggle their stock to try and find a winning combination.
Punjab Kings
If the Rajasthan Royals will be disappointed that the season is resuming, the Punjab Kings would have been desperate for the action to return because they are firmly on track to end this barren spell without a playoff appearance. They go into the resumption of the campaign knowing that in all likelihood one win from their final three matches will ensure a top four finish while two wins definitely will. They will have eyes on the top two from here though.
Punjab Kings have arguably been the best team in the powerplay. They have got off to great starts with the bat where they haven’t lost wickets regularly and have scored decent runs and then with the ball they have wicket takers with the new ball which gets the opposition under immediate pressure. There is a chance that Punjab will be without a number of overseas players which could derail their campaign, which would be a shame, but they will hope they have enough to get the win they need to make the postseason.
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Key Players
Riyan Parag has been in and out for the Rajasthan Royals this season but when he has been good he has really caught the eye and with no competitive pressure on his shoulders the Royals will hope he can have a huge outing.
Prabhsimran Singh is the leading run scorer on the season for the Punjab Kings and with a couple of overseas batters potentially not returning to the competition, the Kings will be looking at their opener to come up with the goods.
Betting
Rajasthan Royals have flattered to deceive a lot in this tournament and they might be found out once again here. Punjab Kings have gone really well this term and although there are question marks over a couple of their overseas players, they still have more than enough in their ranks to get the job done against a Rajasthan side whose bowling hasn’t gone well all season and isn’t likely to improve too much in the absence of Jofra Archer.
I actually think Punjab Kings are better when there is a bit in the wicket and that is expected to be the case here on what is forecast to be a roasting hot day in Jaipur so that bodes well for the playoff chasing side. They have shown they can go well in seaming conditions, on spinning wickets and when the batters need to come to the party. Rajasthan have looked a form batter light throughout the season to me and although Sanju Samson is back here he is only coming in after a month out. Punjab are the better team to me and I fancy them to show it here.
Tips
Back Punjab Kings to beat Rajasthan Royals for a 3/10 stake at 1.75 with Betway
