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Sanju Samson Returns, Ex-MI Pacer Makes RR Debut As Shreyas Iyer Decides To Bat First

Sakshi Sharma

RR vs PBKS toss (Source:@MohammadFa83199,x.com)RR vs PBKS toss (Source:@MohammadFa83199,x.com)

The Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur will host crucial IPL 2025 clash between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the 59th group-stage match of the season. With playoff spots on the line, the stakes could not be higher for Shreyas Iyer’s confident PBKS side. In a significant development, Shreyas Iyer have won the toss and opted to bat first. 

TOSS UPDATE: Punjab Kings have won the toss and opted to bat first. 

Talking a look at the team changes for Rajasthan Royals Sanju Samson, Kwena Maphaka, Tushar Deshpande and Fazalhaq Farooqi are in and Kunal Singh Rathore, Jofra Archer and Maheesh Theekshana are out.

For Punjab Kings Mitchell Owen and Xavier Bartlett are in and Josh Inglis and Marcus Stoinis are out.

Punjab Kings have been one of the standout teams in this year’s campaign, currently holding third position on the points table with seven wins from eleven matches. PBKS are eyeing a direct route to the playoffs and will look to consolidate their position with another victory today. 

On the other hand, Rajasthan Royals have endured tough run, languishing at ninth with just three wins from their twelve games. 

RR vs PBKS IPL 2025: Playing XI's

Punjab Kings Playing XI : Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Shashank Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Mitchell Owen, Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal

Rajasthan Royals Playing XI : Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Sanju Samson (c), Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Wanindu Hasaranga, Kwena Maphaka, Tushar Deshpande, Akash Madhwal, Fazalhaq Farooqi

RR vs PBKS IPL 2025: Captains' Thoughts

Shreyas Iyer (Punjab Kings Captain): "We are going to bat first. The wicket looks fantastic and we know how it plays over here. Sanju Samson must be knowing better than us. Our powerhouse has been batting so far so we will try to make the best use of it.

We were missing to be out here. Everyone is in high spirits to get the opportunity. The mindset has been strong. Trying to make the best of the opportunities that we've been provided. Also kudos to the army forces who have worked hard for the country and made sure that we are in a comfortable position.

We have to make the best use of what we have at the moment and not think about who all are missing. They have been a solid talent but at the same time we have to understand their point of view as well. You got to respect that and see to it that you play the best game possible and make best use of it. We are playing Mitch Owen, Jansen and Azmat batting first."

Sanju Samson (Rajasthan Royals Captain): "Yes, I think I wanted to bowl first. Looking at how we played the last game against RCB, it was a bit slow to start. I am 100 percent.

I think if someone has done something, you have to respect that no matter his age. Definitely would like to respect that and I will come down the order. I come in place of Nitish Rana, Kwena Maphaka comes in place of Jofra Archer."