PBKS vs RR IPL 2025 Match Preview | Dream 11 Team | PBKS vs RR Team Prediction
Hello, cricket fans! As a cricket expert with 25 years of experience and a blogging pro focused on ranking high on search engines, I’m excited to bring you a detailed preview of today’s IPL 2025 showdown between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Rajasthan Royals (RR). Set for April 5, 2025, at 7:30 PM IST at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, this match promises fireworks. PBKS are unbeaten so far, while RR aim to build on their recent momentum. Let’s break it down with the Dream Team, Pitch Report, Weather Forecast, and Head-to-Head Record.
Dream Team for PBKS vs RR IPL 2025
Fantasy cricket enthusiasts, get your Dream11 teams ready! This clash pits PBKS’s in-form batting against RR’s balanced attack. Here’s my expert Dream Team for today’s game:
Above team you can select or the below one can also be refered.
Wicketkeeper: Sanju Samson (RR) – RR’s captain is back and in fine touch, scoring 20 off 14 in his last outing. Prabhsimran Singh (PBKS) is a solid alternative after his match-winning 69 vs LSG.
Batsmen: Shreyas Iyer (PBKS, Captain) – PBKS’s skipper has two fifties in two games (latest: 53* off 32), making him a captaincy lock. Yashasvi Jaiswal (RR) – Despite a slow start (34 runs in 3 games), his potential at the top is undeniable. Nitish Rana (RR) – Fresh off an 81 off 36 vs CSK, he’s a must-pick.
All-Rounders: Glenn Maxwell (PBKS) – His explosive batting and handy off-spin make him a game-changer. Wanindu Hasaranga (RR, Vice-Captain) – A 4/35 spell vs CSK shows his wicket-taking prowess on spin-friendly tracks.
Bowlers: Arshdeep Singh (PBKS) – With 6 wickets in 2 games this season, he’s lethal at Mullanpur. Jofra Archer (RR) – His pace (1/13 vs CSK) could exploit early swing. Yuzvendra Chahal (PBKS) – A spin maestro who thrives in the middle overs. Marco Jansen (PBKS) – His height and variations add depth.
Extra: Riyan Parag (RR) – A steady 37 off 28 last game makes him a reliable pick.
Captaincy Tip: Iyer’s consistency edges him as captain, with Hasaranga’s all-round impact ideal for vice-captain. This XI blends current form with venue suitability—perfect for Mullanpur’s conditions.
Pitch Report: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium
The Mullanpur pitch offers a balanced contest but leans slightly toward bowlers as the game progresses. In IPL 2024’s five matches here, teams batting first won 3 times, with an average first-innings score of 175. Spinners have historically found grip, as seen with Mumbai Indians’ 192 being the highest IPL total here. Expect early swing for pacers like Archer and Jansen, while spinners (Chahal, Hasaranga) will dominate the middle overs. A par score should hover around 180-190, with 200+ possible if PBKS’s top order fires. The lack of dew in this evening game ensures consistent conditions.
Weather Forecast: Mullanpur, April 5, 2025
Mullanpur’s weather tonight is ideal for cricket—clear skies with no rain on the horizon (1% precipitation chance). Daytime temperatures will peak at 36°C, cooling to 18-27°C by the 7:30 PM IST start. Humidity won’t exceed 51%, and winds (10-15 km/h) won’t disrupt play. No dew factor means captains might opt to bat first to set a defendable total, especially with PBKS’s bowling depth. Both teams’ fitness will be tested, but RR’s recent experience in humid Chennai could give them a slight edge.
Head-to-Head Record: PBKS vs RR
The rivalry between PBKS and RR has been fiercely contested, with RR holding a slight edge. Here’s the breakdown in table form:
| Teams | Matches Played | PBKS Wins | RR Wins | Tied/No Result | At Mullanpur (PBKS Home) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PBKS vs RR | 28 | 12 | 16 | 0 | 1 win (out of 1) |
Key Insights:
Overall Record: RR lead 16-12 in 28 IPL meetings, reflecting their historical dominance.
At Mullanpur: PBKS won their only home clash against RR in IPL 2024 by 5 wickets, chasing 148.
Recent Form: PBKS are 2-0 in IPL 2025 (WW), while RR are 2-1 (WLW), with their latest a 6-run thriller vs CSK.
Stat Nugget: RR’s 57% win rate vs PBKS’s 43% makes this a tantalizing matchup.
PBKS’s current streak and home advantage could challenge RR’s historical edge, setting up a blockbuster.
Final Thoughts
Tonight’s PBKS vs RR clash is a tale of momentum vs resilience. PBKS, led by Shreyas Iyer’s golden form, will lean on their batting firepower (Iyer, Maxwell, Prabhsimran) and bowling depth (Arshdeep, Chahal) to stay unbeaten. RR, with Sanju Samson back and Nitish Rana in scintillating touch, will counter with spin (Hasaranga) and pace (Archer). I predict a close game, with PBKS edging it by 5-10 runs if they bat first, though RR could chase down 180+ if Jaiswal fires. Mullanpur’s spin-friendly track might just tip the scales.