Punjab Kings Win, CSK and RR Out of Playoffs

Punjab Kings (PBKS) secured a crucial 10-run win over Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Jaipur, advancing to second in the IPL 2025 standings with 17 points and needing just one more to confirm a playoff spot for the first time since 2014. Nehal Wadhera (70) and Shashank Singh (59*) set a formidable 220-run target, while Harpreet Brar's 3/22 spell dismantled RR's explosive opening partnership of Yashasvi Jaiswal (50) and 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi (40). PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer missed the second innings due to a finger injury but praised the team's resilience. RR's chase faltered after Brar's breakthroughs, and their season woes continued amid injuries and inconsistent bowling. This result officially eliminates both RR and CSK from playoff contention, rendering their upcoming clash non-essential for qualification. PBKS, under coach Ricky Ponting, move into the final phase of the season with renewed optimism.