Jaipur: After a week-long break, the Punjab Kings (PBKS) are set to return to IPL 2025 action with renewed focus and energy as they prepare to take on the Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Sunday, May 18.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference, fast-bowling coach James Hopes exuded confidence in the squad’s preparedness, stating that the players returned to training “a little bit fresher” and quickly regained rhythm despite the unexpected pause in the tournament.
“It feels like we did not miss a beat. And if anything, the guys came back a little bit fresher,” said Hopes.
“We’ll go in with a pretty similar structure… Even with new faces, the game plan remains consistent.”
Fearless Youth and Tactical Depth
Hopes also highlighted the rise of fearless young Indian talent, describing them as a major force this season.
“They come out with zero fear. We’ve seen young players dominating this tournament, and it’s been no different for us,” he said.
PBKS has been among the teams benefiting from youthful flair, with emerging Indian players stepping up in key moments.
Versatility for Jaipur Conditions
With PBKS now slated to play their remaining home matches in Jaipur, Hopes addressed the impact of pitch conditions at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium.
“We’re heavily favored towards pace, but we’ve got quality spinners too. We’ve built a flexible squad to handle any surface,” he explained.
Match Preview
- 🗓 Match Date: May 18
- 🕞 Time: 3:30 PM IST
- 📍 Venue: Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur
- 🆚 Fixture: PBKS vs RR