Sports
PBKS vs. RR Dream11 Prediction & Fantasy Tips – IPL 2025 Match 18
As Punjab Kings (PBKS) take on Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Match 18 of IPL 2025, fantasy cricket players are scrambling for the perfect Dream11 lineup. Here’s a data-driven guide to maximize your points, featuring top picks, captain choices, and pitch insights.
🏟️ Match Details
- Date: April 7, 2025—three days away.
- Time: 7:30 PM IST—prime-time slugfest.
- Venue: PCA Stadium, Mohali—batters’ turf, bowlers beware.
- Pitch Report: Runs galore—first innings average hovers around 185; pace gets early zip, spin bites later.
🎯 Dream11 Team Selection Strategy
Top Picks for PBKS vs. RR
- Shikhar Dhawan (PBKS, Batsman): Hot streak—think 45, 68, 32 from last season’s end.
- Sanju Samson (RR, WK-Batsman): Smashed an unbeaten 89 in RR’s last 2024 outing—on fire.
- Kagiso Rabada (PBKS, Bowler): Eight wickets in four 2024 games—death-over menace.
- Yuzvendra Chahal (RR, Bowler): Snagged 3/22 last time—Mohali’s spin friend.
Differential Picks (Low Ownership, High Upside)
- Liam Livingstone (PBKS): Spin-killer—180+ strike rate could surprise.
- Dhruv Jurel (RR): Late-order dynamite—finisher role’s his to grab.
👑 Captain & Vice-Captain Choices
- Safe Bets:
- Sanju Samson (RR): Steady hands, big scores—Mr. Reliable.
- Shikhar Dhawan (PBKS): Anchors it, then accelerates—bankable.
- High-Risk, High-Reward:
- Jos Buttler (RR): Overdue for a ton—could erupt.
- Arshdeep Singh (PBKS): Death-over wizard—wickets waiting.
🔮 Predicted Playing XIs
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
- Shikhar Dhawan (C), Jonny Bairstow, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Sam Curran, Shahrukh Khan, Harpreet Brar, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh, Rishi Dhawan.
Rajasthan Royals (RR)
- Jos Buttler, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson (C & WK), Shimron Hetmyer, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, R Ashwin, Trent Boult, Yuzvendra Chahal, Prasidh Krishna, Avesh Khan.
📊 Head-to-Head Stats (Last 5 Matches)
- PBKS Wins: 2—scrappy underdogs.
- RR Wins: 3—slight edge.
- Top Gun: Jos Buttler’s 112 in 2023—still haunts PBKS.
💡 Fantasy Pro Tips
- Mohali Pitch: Early swing for pacers, middle-over gold for spinners—pick accordingly.
- RR’s Spin Duo: Chahal and Ashwin could shred PBKS’ middle order—load up.
- PBKS Powerplay: Dhawan and Bairstow love a fast start—early points there.
Final Dream11 Team Suggestion
- WK: Sanju Samson (C)—runs plus gloves.
- Batsmen: Shikhar Dhawan, Jos Buttler, Yashasvi Jaiswal—fire at the top.
- All-rounders: Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone—dual threats.
- Bowlers: Kagiso Rabada (VC), Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh—wicket magnets.
