Punjab Kings set to host Rajasthan Royals in exciting season opener at home

Shreyas Iyer’s Punjab Kings will face Sanju Samson’s Rajasthan Royals in the 18th match of IPL 2025 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, Chandigarh, on Saturday. Both sides enter the game on the back of victories.

Punjab Kings have displayed impressive form this season, resembling a well-oiled machine. Their batting and bowling units seem finely tuned, with flawless strategies and execution. Under the leadership of cricketing masterminds Ricky Ponting and Shreyas Iyer, their strong start to the tournament makes it hard to ignore them as serious contenders for the playoffs.

Rajasthan Royals on the other hand, had an inconsistent start to the season. While their batting lineup appears strong, their bowling attack hasn’t quite clicked as seamlessly as it has in the past few years. Despite successfully defending a total against Chennai Super Kings, there are still areas that require improvement if they aim to challenge for a playoff spot.