Bowlers: Ravi Bishnoi, Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan, Akash Deep, Manimaran Siddharth, Akash Singh, Shamar Joseph, Mohsin Khan
Match Preview
The 36th match of IPL 2025 brings Rajasthan Royals (RR) face-to-face with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. RR, languishing in 8th place with just 2 wins in 7 matches, desperately needs a victory to revive their campaign. LSG, sitting comfortably at 5th with 4 wins in 7 matches, aims to maintain their momentum and push for a top-four finish.
The Jaipur pitch is known for offering early assistance to fast bowlers due to some green cover, but it typically becomes batsman-friendly as the game progresses. Dew is likely to influence the second innings, potentially favoring the chasing team. RR’s home advantage could be a factor, as they’ve shown competitiveness at this venue, tying their last match against DC. LSG, however, brings a more balanced recent form and a potent squad bolstered by high-profile acquisitions like Rishabh Pant.
RR boasts a strong batting lineup with Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, and Shimron Hetmyer, complemented by a versatile bowling attack featuring Sandeep Sharma, Wanindu Hasaranga, and the possible inclusion of Jofra Archer. LSG counters with an explosive batting core of Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant, and David Miller, backed by a pace-heavy bowling unit led by Mayank Yadav and Avesh Khan, with Ravi Bishnoi providing spin options.
AI Simulation and Prediction
To predict the winner, we’ll evaluate key factors:
Current Form:
LSG: 3 wins in last 5 matches (L W W W L)
RR: 2 wins in last 5 matches (W W L L L, plus a tied game)
Edge: LSG has been more consistent recently.
Head-to-Head:
RR has won 4 of the last 5 encounters, but these results predate the 2025 squad changes.
Edge: Historical advantage to RR, though less relevant with new teams.
Venue and Conditions:
Sawai Mansingh Stadium is RR’s home ground, giving them familiarity with the pitch.
The pitch aids pacers early but favors batsmen later, with dew likely benefiting the team batting second.
Edge: Slight advantage to RR due to home conditions, but toss could be crucial.
Squad Strength:
RR Batting: Jaiswal’s aggression, Samson’s consistency, and Hetmyer’s finishing make it formidable.
LSG Bowling: Mayank Yadav’s pace and Bishnoi’s spin are strengths, though spin options are limited.
Edge: LSG’s batting has more match-winners, but RR’s bowling is more varied.
Key Players:
RR: Jaiswal and Samson must fire; Archer’s fitness is a wildcard.
LSG: Pant and Pooran are game-changers; Mayank Yadav could disrupt RR’s top order.
Edge: LSG’s key players have higher impact potential.
Toss Factor:
With dew expected, the team bowling first may exploit early conditions, while the chasing side benefits later.
Likely strategy: Bowl first if winning the toss.
Simulation Scenario:
If RR bats first: Jaiswal and Samson could set a competitive total (160-180), but LSG’s chasing prowess with Pant and Pooran might overhaul it under dew.
If LSG bats first: Pooran and Pant could post a big score (170-190), challenging RR’s batting against Mayank Yadav’s pace.
Given LSG’s better form (4 wins vs RR’s 2) and superior Net Run Rate (+0.086 vs -0.714), they appear more confident. RR’s home advantage and historical edge are notable, but their recent struggles suggest vulnerability. LSG’s batting depth and pace attack tilt the scales slightly in their favor.
Final Prediction
This match is poised to be a close contest, with the toss and dew playing significant roles. However, based on current form, squad balance, and key player impact, Lucknow Super Giants are predicted to emerge victorious. RR could upset the odds if their top order clicks and Archer delivers, but LSG’s consistency gives them the edge.