Pressure Mounts on Rajasthan Royals as Playoff Hopes Hang by a Thread
The RR vs LSG battle in IPL 2025 Match 36 isn’t just another game—this one has real playoff implications, especially for Rajasthan Royals. With only two wins in their seven matches so far, RR are desperate to keep their slim post-season chances alive. Their last outing ended in heartbreak, losing to Delhi Capitals in a nerve-wracking Super Over. You can feel the tension building around the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, which has seen a surprising turn of fortunes for the home side.
Lucknow Super Giants, meanwhile, have fared a lot better, sitting fifth after four victories in seven games. While their campaign looks solid, an agonizingly close defeat against Chennai Super Kings means they’re not just playing for points, but also momentum. Both teams have everything to prove. In Dream11 terms, that makes this match a goldmine for those who want a fresh angle and some risks that can change the game.
Dream11 Captaincy: Safe Choices and Genius Differentials
When picking a Dream11 captain for this one, Sanju Samson jumps out immediately. He’s got a brilliant record against LSG—four wins in five head-to-heads prove he likes this matchup. Even when RR stumble, Samson is usually the guy holding things together, both with his bat and his leadership. You want reliability? He’s your man.
On LSG’s side, Nicholas Pooran is the X-factor. His middle-order aggression saw him pile up some crucial runs this season. With RR’s attack leaning on spinners, and Pooran not shy about taking them on, he could tilt the scales quickly. And then there’s Mitchell Marsh. This Aussie all-rounder not just packs a punch with the bat in the death overs, but also chips in with useful overs when it matters most. With two skillsets firing, Marsh adds serious value as a fantasy captain.
Don’t sleep on differential picks. Maheesh Theekshana, RR’s Sri Lankan off-spinner, has nabbed seven wickets in as many matches. His economy isn’t pretty (just under 10), but if the pitch slows down under low humidity, he’s a real threat. Fantasy managers love him because so few pick him—he can be the ace up your sleeve. David Miller is another sneaky pick. Usually batting down the order, he hasn’t topped many Dream11 squads, but his ability to clear ropes in the last overs could mean a sudden surge of points if he gets time in the middle.
There are landmines, too. Rishabh Pant may have the big reputation, but lately, he’s just not finding runs. For all his talent, the fantasy scores have been pretty dismal, making him a major gamble. RR’s spinning options beyond Theekshana also look shaky; Ashwin and company could struggle with LSG’s rock-solid middle order that’s been smashing spin attacks apart.
Game strategy will hinge on the Jaipur pitch report. This venue usually offers a balanced contest—slow bowlers come into play as the match wears on, and aggressive batters can still cash in. Low humidity could make it tricky for pacers, pushing fantasy players to prioritize slower, flighted bowlers and big hitters who handle spin well.
- Top captaincy picks: Sanju Samson, Nicholas Pooran, Mitchell Marsh
- Differential picks: Maheesh Theekshana, David Miller
- Players to avoid: Rishabh Pant, RR secondary spinners
Fantasy managers—play it bold. The balance between safe captain picks and high-reward differentials could decide who tops the leaderboard after this IPL clash.
