Jaipur, April 19, 2025: The 36th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is unfolding in the pink city of Jaipur, where Rajasthan Royals (RR) are locking horns with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the iconic Sawai Mansingh Stadium. Both teams are hungry for a win, but come into this encounter with contrasting fortunes so far in the tournament.
Toss Update: LSG Choose to Bat First
Lucknow Super Giants’ captain Rishabh Pant won the toss and opted to bat first, aiming to put early pressure on the struggling Royals. It’s a bold call, considering Jaipur’s tendency to offer some early movement for bowlers, but Pant seems confident in his team’s batting depth.
Form Guide: RR Seek Redemption, LSG Eye Top Spot
Rajasthan Royals, led by Sanju Samson, have had a tough campaign, winning just 2 out of their 7 matches so far. Despite individual brilliance from players like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Riyan Parag, the team has struggled to click as a unit. A win today is crucial for them to stay alive in the playoff race.
On the other hand, Lucknow Super Giants, under the leadership of Rishabh Pant, have looked more settled. They’ve won 4 out of their 7 matches, placing them comfortably in the mid-table zone with a chance to climb into the top four with a win tonight.
Playing XI Overview: Heavyweights Take the Field
Rajasthan Royals have gone with a balanced lineup, combining experienced campaigners with young guns.
RR Playing XI:
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubham Dubey, Riyan Parag (Captain), Nitish Rana, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Shimron Hetmyer, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Sandeep Sharma, Tushar Deshpande
Key players to watch: Riyan Parag, who’s shown great consistency this season, and Jofra Archer, who could make early inroads with the new ball.
Lucknow Super Giants have fielded a power-packed unit with several match-winners.
LSG Playing XI:
Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant (C/WK), David Miller, Abdul Samad, Ravi Bishnoi, Shardul Thakur, Prince Yadav, Digvesh Singh Rathi, Avesh Khan
Watch out for Mitchell Marsh and Nicholas Pooran—both in fine touch—alongside Ravi Bishnoi, whose spin could be vital on the Jaipur track.
Match Preview: All Eyes on Pant vs Samson Duel
This match is not just a test of skills but also of captaincy acumen. Rishabh Pant, who returned to IPL after a year-long injury layoff, has impressed with his smart bowling changes and aggressive mindset. Sanju Samson, on the other hand, needs a win to restore confidence in his camp and fans alike.
Jaipur’s surface is traditionally slow with some bounce early on. Spinners could play a key role, especially during the middle overs.
Stats to Watch Out For:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal is 34 runs away from completing 1500 IPL runs.
- Nicholas Pooran needs 3 sixes to complete 100 IPL sixes.
- Ravi Bishnoi is 2 wickets short
