The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has finally seen action resume on the field on the double-header day on Sunday. Punjab Kings (PBKS) took on Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Sunday afternoon. Shreyas Iyer won the toss and chose to bat first in a key game for a place in the playoffs.
PBKS skipper lauded Indian armed forces during his chat with former New Zealand seamer Simon Doull at the toss time. Shreyas Iyer was asked how he felt during the time off during the league’s suspension, to which Iyer replied, “To be honest, we were missing being out here (on the field) and we all were in high spirits to get back the opportunity.”
The 30-year-old then added, “Also, kudos to the Indian army and armed forces who have worked for the country and made sure we are in a comfortable position.” PBKS saw their game against Delhi Capitals get called off in Dharamshala at the height of the India-Pakistan border tensions.
Mitchell Owen makes IPL debut; Sanju Samson boost for RR
Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson was back in action after missing most of the season due to injury. Jofra Archer’s absence meant that young South African pacer Kwena Maphaka finally got his chance to make his IPL debut for RR. Samson came in for Nitish Rana, who has been ruled out of the season due to injury.
Punjab Kings draughted in Mitchell Owen to make his debut after leaving PSL 2025 midway through the season. The Australian caught the eye of the cricketing world post his terrific exploits with the bat in the Big Bash League 2024 season. Marco Jansen is also starting for PBKS along with Xavier Bartlett.
A win for Punjab Kings will take them to 17 points from 12 matches and more or less put them through to the playoffs. If PBKS wins with a better margin, they can also top the table, leapfrogging Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who are currently heading the table.
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