Rajasthan Royals Seek Course Correction After Super Over Heartbreak

As the IPL 2025 season approaches its midpoint, Rajasthan Royals (RR) find themselves in a tough spot. With just four points from seven matches, their campaign has been marred by inconsistency and close defeats. Their most recent setback—a Super Over loss to Delhi Capitals—only added to the frustration, especially considering they had the game in control until the final overs.

From constant batting reshuffles to ineffective death bowling, RR have struggled to settle into a rhythm. Riyan Parag, who was a standout performer last season with 573 runs, has yet to find his touch. A silver lining, though, has been Yashasvi Jaiswal rediscovering his form, scoring back-to-back fifties.

Bowling, too, has been a concern. Apart from Jofra Archer, who has picked up five PowerPlay wickets, the rest of the attack has combined for just two wickets in that phase. Worse still, the Royals have conceded the most runs via extras this season (83 runs). Their death bowling has been especially costly, leaking runs at 12.3 per over, an area they’ll be desperate to address—especially on the larger field in Jaipur.

LSG: The Surprise Package

In contrast, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have been one of the more impressive and balanced sides this season. Nicholas Pooran and Mitchell Marsh have been in sublime touch with the bat, while Rishabh Pant’s composed half-century against CSK was a timely boost for the team.

Though LSG’s pacers have lacked penetration, their spin attack, led by the emerging Digvesh Singh Rathi (9 wickets), has been their biggest weapon so far.

With both teams eager to build momentum, this clash becomes pivotal as the race for playoff spots heats up.

Match Details

• Match: Rajasthan Royals vs Lucknow Super Giants, Match 36
• Date & Time: April 19, 7:30 PM IST
• Venue: Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur

Weather & Pitch

Expect hot conditions in Jaipur with the mercury touching 39°C and no rain in sight. The pitch has played slightly slower during the first innings, especially in day games, so teams may prefer chasing after winning the toss.

Head-to-Head

RR 4 – 1 LSG
The Royals hold the upper hand historically, though LSG’s only win came at this very venue in 2023.

Team News & Strategy

Rajasthan Royals

• Injury Watch: Sanju Samson suffered a side strain while batting against DC. Although he said he felt fine post-match, his availability remains uncertain.
• Tactics & Matchups: A key battle could be Jofra Archer vs Nicholas Pooran. Archer has dismissed the dangerous left-hander three times in 36 deliveries, conceding just 39 runs—making this a potential trump card for RR.

Probable XI:
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

Lucknow Super Giants

• Injury Watch: Pace sensation Mayank Yadav has rejoined the squad, but it’s unclear if he’ll be match-fit for this fixture.
• Tactics & Matchups: RR’s Riyan Parag has been dismissed by pace in four of six innings this season. LSG’s seamers will likely target him early despite his improved strike rate against pace this year.

Probable XI:
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

Did You Know?

• Sanju Samson averages just 25.00 in T20s in 2025, with only one fifty in 12 innings.
• Nicholas Pooran’s strike rate of 272 against spin is the highest in IPL history among batters who’ve faced 50+ balls of spin.

As both teams look to course-correct or build on their momentum, all eyes will be on Jaipur for what promises to be an intense mid-season showdown.