Maxwell, Shedge Out; Wadhera, Omarzai In? PBKS Probable XI vs RR

PBKS' Probable XI vs RR [Source: @codecricketau, @SportsProd88208/x.com]

The IPL 2025 party is in full swing and now it is heading to Mullanpur for a blockbuster Saturday night clash. Punjab Kings are set to take on Rajasthan Royals side in Match 18 on Saturday, April 5 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium.

For Punjab Kings, this will be their first home game of the season and they will want to make it count. They have already shown they can win close games and dominate the opposition with their wins over GT and LSG. Now the only question is: what is their best XI to keep the winning train chugging?

Let’s break down what Punjab’s playing XI could look like in the PBKS vs RR IPL 2025 match.

Prabhsimran, Priyansh Arya And Shreyas Iyer At The Top

Prabhsimran Singh was breathing fire against Lucknow as he hammed 69 off just 34 deliveries. He is locked in to open. Partnering him will be Priyansh Arya, who couldn’t light it up last game but made waves with his quickfire 47 vs Gujarat. He has got flair and hunger and PBKS will back the youngster to go big at home.

And then there is the boss man Shreyas Iyer. Bought for a staggering INR 26.75 crore, Iyer has been worth every rupee. With 149 runs in two matches at a stunning strike rate of 206.94, the skipper is in red-hot form. Expect him to anchor the innings if early wickets fall or unleash if the platform is set.

Table - Prabhsimran, Priyansh Arya And Shreyas Iyer IPL 2025 Stats So Far

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Wadhera To Walk In At 4 With Stoinis & Shashank To Follow

Nehal Wadhera has to play. Period. The former Mumbai Indians batter walked in as an Impact Player last match and smoked 43* off 25, including four meaty sixes. With Priyansh and Prabhsimran attacking up top, Wadhera’s calm yet explosive style gives the middle order real teeth.

Table - Nehal Wadhera IPL Stats

At No. 5, Marcus Stoinis adds power and experience. He hasn't had a big score yet, but he has been tidy with the ball and offers plenty of balance. Shashank Singh, the finisher, slots in at six and he is a utility player who can be a game-changer on his day.

Azmatullah Omarzai In, Glenn Maxwell & Suryansh Shedge Out?

This is where PBKS might twist the tale. Glenn Maxwell’s form has been iffy and Suryansh Shedge might have to make way too. Harsh on Shedge but he can be used as an Impact Player.

Table - Glenn Maxwell IPL Stats Since 2024

Bringing in Azmatullah Omarzai at No. 7 can be a game-changer. The Afghan all-rounder adds pace bowling depth and serious muscle with the bat. He is calm under pressure and can whack it at the death.

Bowling Unit To Stay Put

Marco Jansen and Lockie Ferguson bring the heat. Both can rattle any top order with bounce and pace. Arshdeep Singh is their go-to man in the powerplay and at the death and with swing, cutters, yorkers, he has got the full arsenal. Yuzvendra Chahal adds spin and experience. If the pitch grips even a little, he will be licking his fingers.

PBKS’ Probable XI vs RR

Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Shashank Singh, Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen, Lockie Ferguson, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal

Impact Subs: Vijaykumar Vyshak, Suryansh Shedge, Vishnu Vinod, Praveen Dubey, Harpreet Brar.

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