RR vs LSG IPL 2025: As the IPL 2025 season inches toward its halfway mark, the pressure is beginning to mount — and perhaps no team is feeling the heat more than the Rajasthan Royals. With just two wins in seven matches and a disappointing loss via Super Over to Delhi Capitals fresh in memory, the Royals are skating on thin ice. In stark contrast, their opponents in Match 36 — the Lucknow Super Giants — have emerged as a quietly confident unit, banking on big-hitting batters and effective spin to make a strong playoff push.
Rajasthan Royals: Inconsistent and In Need of Direction
It has been a turbulent campaign for the Royals, who started with promise but are now languishing with just four points from seven games. Their latest outing saw them squander a winnable match against the Delhi Capitals, which dragged into a Super Over due to their now-familiar issue: death bowling.
The Royals’ bowling attack has conceded an IPL 2025-high 83 runs through extras and has been leaking runs at an alarming rate in the final overs — 12.3 per over to be exact. Barring Jofra Archer, who’s been decent upfront with five Powerplay wickets, the bowling unit lacks bite and consistency.
On the batting front, the team has failed to capitalize on last season’s form. Riyan Parag, the breakout star of 2024 with 573 runs, has struggled to find rhythm. However, a ray of hope comes in the form of Yashasvi Jaiswal, who appears to be hitting his stride after back-to-back fifties. Still, the Royals need a more collective batting effort to stand a chance.
To complicate matters, skipper Sanju Samson suffered a side strain in the previous match while attempting a cut shot. Though he indicated he’s “feeling okay,” uncertainty remains over his full fitness.
Lucknow Super Giants: Quietly Climbing with Consistency
While Rajasthan have struggled, the Lucknow Super Giants have gone about their business with quiet confidence. At the heart of their success lies their explosive middle order, headlined by Mitchell Marsh and Nicholas Pooran — both of whom have been among the standout batters this season. Rishabh Pant’s recent match-winning fifty against CSK has added depth and reliability to the lineup.
The pace battery hasn’t quite fired on all cylinders, but the spin department, particularly Digvesh Singh Rathi with nine wickets so far, has kept things tight. Ravi Bishnoi’s experience and control continue to be crucial, especially on grounds like Jaipur where spin could play a pivotal role.
An interesting subplot lies in team dynamics. Fast-bowling sensation Mayank Yadav has joined the squad, but it’s uncertain whether he’ll be fit to play. If cleared, his addition could significantly boost LSG’s firepower with the ball.
RR vs LSG Key Match-ups to Watch
- Jofra Archer vs Nicholas Pooran: Archer has dismissed Pooran thrice in T20s, giving away just 39 runs in 36 deliveries. This could be a defining battle, especially if Pooran walks in during the middle overs.
- Riyan Parag vs Pace: Despite his overall slump, Parag’s numbers against pace have slightly improved. But with four of his six dismissals this season coming against quicks, LSG might target him early with pace-heavy bowling.
RR vs LSG Head-to-Head and Venue Outlook
In their five IPL meetings, Rajasthan hold a comfortable 4-1 lead over Lucknow. However, LSG’s only win against the Royals came at the very venue of this clash — the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur — back in 2023.
The weather forecast is typically dry and hot, with temperatures expected to soar to 39°C. The pitch at Jaipur has historically favored chasing, particularly in night games. With the surface tending to play slower in the first innings, expect the toss-winning captain to opt to bowl first.
Probable XIs
Rajasthan Royals: Sanju Samson (c & wk)*, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Nitish Rana, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Shubham Dubey, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Tushar Deshpande/Akash Madhwal, Sandeep Sharma.
(*Fitness subject to clearance)
Lucknow Super Giants: Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Rishabh Pant (c & wk), David Miller, Abdul Samad, Shardul Thakur, Avesh Khan, Prince Yadav/Akash Deep, Digvesh Singh Rathi, Ravi Bishnoi.
RR vs LSG Live Streaming & Broadcast Info
MI vs SRH Live Telecast: Star Sports Network (Select channels with Hindi, English, regional language options)
