FANTASY CRICKET TIPS: TOP PICKS FOR PBKS VS DC IN IPL 2025

Fantasy Cricket Tips: Top Picks for PBKS vs DC in IPL 2025

Fantasy Cricket Tips: Top Picks for PBKS vs DC in IPL 2025

Blog Article

The IPL 2025 season is heading towards its exhilarating climax, and while some teams have solidified their playoff berths, others are fighting for pride or a slim mathematical chance. Match 66, scheduled for May 24th at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, brings together two teams with contrasting recent fortunes: the surging Punjab Kings (PBKS) and the Delhi Capitals (DC). For fantasy cricket enthusiasts, this match presents an intriguing challenge, with opportunities to capitalize on in-form players and the nuances of the Jaipur pitch.

PBKS has been on a fantastic run, having already secured a playoff spot and sitting comfortably in the top tier of the points table with 17 points from 12 games (as of May 20, 2025). Their recent three-match winning streak against KKR, LSG, and RR highlights their impressive momentum. Delhi Capitals, on the other hand, have been officially eliminated from playoff contention after a recent loss to Mumbai Indians. Currently, they are in 5th position with 13 points from 13 games. Despite their playoff fate, DC will be eager to finish the season strongly and upset PBKS's rhythm.

The Pitch Report: Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur

The Sawai Mansingh Stadium is generally considered a balanced T20 pitch, offering something for both batsmen and bowlers. However, recent IPL 2025 matches here, especially evening games, suggest it leans towards being a good batting surface.


  • Batting Dominance: The average first innings score in afternoon games is around 180. Critically, teams batting second have a significant advantage, winning nearly 64% of matches. This indicates that the pitch tends to settle down and become more conducive for strokeplay under lights, making chasing a preferred option.

  • Pace and Spin Support: While batsmen can thrive, pacers often find some movement and bounce early on. As the game progresses, spinners can also come into play. Wickets have been shared, with pacers taking about 60% and spinners 40%. The highest total recorded at this venue is a massive 219/5 by PBKS, showcasing its high-scoring potential.


Therefore, for your fantasy teams, prioritizing batsmen who can score big and bowlers who are effective in both powerplay and death overs will be crucial.

Top Fantasy Picks for PBKS vs DC:

Here are some top picks, considering their recent form, historical performance, and suitability for the Jaipur pitch:

From Punjab Kings (PBKS):

  1. Shreyas Iyer (Batter): The PBKS captain has been in sensational form this IPL 2025, leading from the front with 435 runs in 12 matches at an average of 48.33 and a blistering strike rate of 174.70. He has four half-centuries to his name and is a must-have fantasy pick given his consistency and aggressive approach.

  2. Jonny Bairstow (Wicketkeeper-Batter): Bairstow is an explosive opener capable of providing quickfire starts. While his IPL 2025 stats aren't as high as Iyer's (1589 runs in 34.54 average), his potential for a big innings, especially on a good batting surface, makes him a valuable pick. He's also a wicketkeeping option, adding another dimension to his fantasy points.

  3. Liam Livingstone (All-rounder): A true all-rounder, Livingstone brings power-hitting to the middle order and can chip in with crucial wickets with his handy leg-spin. His ability to contribute in both departments makes him a high-value fantasy asset. He has scored 87 runs and taken 5 wickets in 7 matches this season.

  4. Arshdeep Singh (Bowler): The left-arm pacer has been a consistent wicket-taker for PBKS, especially in the death overs. With 16 wickets in 12 matches this season, he’s a reliable choice for fantasy points through breakthroughs.


From Delhi Capitals (DC):

  1. David Warner (Batter): Despite a somewhat subdued IPL 2025 by his lofty standards (168 runs in 8 matches), David Warner remains a dangerous opener. On a good batting surface, his experience and ability to score rapidly in the powerplay cannot be overlooked. He will be playing without pressure, which could unleash his best.

  2. Rishabh Pant (Wicketkeeper-Batter): The captain of DC, Rishabh Pant, is a game-changer with his aggressive batting. Although his IPL 2025 season has been a bit inconsistent (135 runs in 12 matches, with a low average of 12.27), his potential to hit boundaries at will and his contributions behind the stumps make him a high-risk, high-reward fantasy pick. On his day, he can single-handedly win matches.

  3. Mitchell Marsh (All-rounder): Marsh provides a strong balance to the DC squad with his powerful hitting and effective medium-pace bowling. He has scored 443 runs and taken 5 wickets in 11 matches this season, making him an excellent all-round option for your fantasy team.

  4. Kuldeep Yadav (Bowler): The left-arm wrist-spinner has been a consistent wicket-taker for DC, particularly in the middle overs. With 13 wickets in 12 matches this season, his ability to pick up crucial breakthroughs on a pitch that might offer some turn as the game progresses makes him a vital fantasy pick.


Best IPL fantasy league strategies for this specific match should focus on leveraging the expected conditions and identifying high-impact players:

  1. Embrace Batting Power: Given the generally flat nature of the Jaipur pitch and the preference for chasing, prioritize top-order batsmen from both teams. A strong top 4 or 5 is crucial.

  2. All-Rounder Advantage: All-rounders who can contribute with both bat and ball are gold in fantasy cricket. Marsh and Livingstone are prime examples and should be high on your list.

  3. Death Over Bowlers: While spinners can get wickets, pacers who bowl in the death overs are more likely to pick up multiple wickets due to batsmen trying to hit big. Arshdeep Singh and Anrich Nortje (if he plays and is in form) are key.

  4. Captain and Vice-Captain Choices:

    • High-Scoring Batsmen: Shreyas Iyer's current form makes him an excellent captaincy choice. David Warner and Rishabh Pant, despite their current individual stats, have the potential for explosive innings, making them good vice-captain options.

    • All-Rounders: Liam Livingstone and Mitchell Marsh can also be great choices for captain or vice-captain, as they offer points from both batting and bowling.



  5. Monitor the Toss and Playing XIs: The toss is critical in Jaipur due to the chasing advantage. Adjust your team if the pitch seems to favor one aspect significantly. Always check the confirmed playing XIs just before the deadline to avoid picking players who aren't featuring.

  6. Consider Match Context: While PBKS is qualified, they will be aiming to maintain momentum. DC will play for pride. This could lead to a less pressured approach for DC, potentially unleashing some big performances from their senior players.


By carefully considering these factors and selecting a balanced team with a mix of in-form batsmen, impactful all-rounders, and wicket-taking bowlers, you can maximize your chances of success in the PBKS vs DC IPL 2025 fantasy cricket match. Good luck!

Report this page