In a historic display of batting prowess, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) have made their mark in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 by becoming the first team to post a 200-plus total at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur. On April 5, 2025, during their match against the Punjab Kings (PBKS), RR put up a formidable score of 205 runs for the loss of 4 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. This impressive total not only set a new record at the venue but also showcased the team's depth in batting, led by a stellar performance from Yashasvi Jaiswal and a powerful finish from Riyan Parag.
Yashasvi Jaiswal opened the innings with a controlled yet aggressive approach, scoring 67 runs off 45 deliveries. His innings included 3 boundaries and 5 sixes, proving instrumental in laying a solid foundation for the Royals. Jaiswal's partnership with captain Sanju Samson, who contributed a brisk 38 runs off 26 balls, was crucial, as the duo put together an 89-run stand that set the tone for the innings. Jaiswal reached his fifty in spectacular fashion, further cementing his reputation as one of the season's top openers.
After the dismissals of Samson and Jaiswal, Riyan Parag stepped up to anchor the middle order. He remained not out on 43 runs off just 25 balls, showcasing a blend of calm temperament and explosive hitting. Parag's innings was characterized by a strike rate of 172.00, ensuring that RR maintained their momentum throughout the middle overs. Shimron Hetmyer also made a notable contribution with a quickfire 20 runs off 12 balls, while Dhruv Jurel's late cameo of 13 runs off 5 balls helped push the Royals past the 200-run mark.
The fall of wickets for RR was as follows: Sanju Samson was caught by Iyer off Ferguson's bowling at a score of 89/1, followed by Jaiswal at 123/2, Nitish Rana at 138/3, and Hetmyer at 185/4. Despite the loss of wickets, the Royals maintained a calculated aggression throughout their innings, allowing them to post the highest total ever recorded at Mullanpur, surpassing the previous record of 192/7 set by the Mumbai Indians (MI) against PBKS in IPL 2024.
Lockie Ferguson was the standout bowler for PBKS, claiming 2 wickets for 41 runs. He dismissed both Samson and Jaiswal, briefly disrupting RR's momentum with his pace and variations. However, the other PBKS bowlers struggled to contain the RR batters, with even premier bowler Arshdeep Singh facing challenges during the death overs.
With this powerful performance, RR not only gained a psychological edge but also significantly improved their Net Run Rate (NRR), solidifying their position within the top three teams of the IPL 2025 points table. In contrast, the Punjab Kings, who had previously maintained an unbeaten record in away games, suffered their first home defeat of the season, which could impact their momentum moving forward.
Among the spectators was PBKS co-owner Preity Zinta, who was visibly disappointed as she watched the Royals take control of the match. Having cheered passionately during previous games, Zinta could only applaud Jaiswal's brilliance as the Royals showcased their dominance.
Looking ahead, the Rajasthan Royals will next face the Delhi Capitals, aiming to extend their winning streak. Meanwhile, the Punjab Kings will seek redemption on their home ground as they prepare to take on the Chennai Super Kings in a must-win clash to stay competitive in the playoff race.
Key takeaways from the match include Yashasvi Jaiswal's impressive 67 runs, Riyan Parag's unbeaten 43, and the fact that RR posted 205/4—the highest-ever total at Mullanpur. Lockie Ferguson's efforts for PBKS, including 2 key wickets, highlighted the challenges faced by the bowling unit, while RR's achievement of breaking MI's previous record serves as a testament to their batting depth and strategy.
As the IPL 2025 season progresses, fans will be eagerly watching how the dynamics unfold, especially with teams like RR and PBKS vying for top positions in the league. With exciting matches on the horizon, the competition is sure to heat up as franchises aim for glory in this year's tournament.
