आईपीएल 2025: ट्रॉफी से वंचित पीबीकेएस, आरसीबी फाइनल के लिए मुकाबले में

IPL 2025: PBKS vs RCB Qualifier 1

Narrative:

IPL 2025's first qualifier pits two trophy-starved franchises, Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), against each other. Both teams have tasted success in the past but haven't lifted the trophy in recent years. PBKS last reached the final in 2014, while RCB has been runners-up three times (2009, 2011, 2016).

PBKS' Resurgence:

PBKS has undergone a significant transformation this season, with Ricky Ponting and Shreyas Iyer bringing a new swagger and identity to the team.

RCB's Balanced Squad:

RCB, despite not winning a title, has consistently made the playoffs. This season, they have achieved a rare feat of squad balance.

Momentum Heading into Qualifier 1:

PBKS secured their top-two spot by defeating Mumbai Indians in their last league game. RCB, on the other hand, showed their hunger for victory by chasing down a target in Lucknow.

Match Details:

• Date: May 29, 2025
• Time: 7:30 PM IST
• Venue: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, Chandigarh

Expected Conditions:

A hot evening with a potential preference for batting first. The average first innings score at the venue this year has been 173, with three out of four games won by the team setting the target.

Head-to-Head:

PBKS leads the head-to-head record 18-17. They have won one game each this season. RCB won their last encounter at this venue.

Injury Updates:

• PBKS: Marco Jansen has returned home to prepare for the World Test Championship final. Azmatullah Omarzai is expected to replace him.
• RCB: Josh Hazlewood is likely to be fit for the qualifier. Tim David is doubtful due to a hamstring injury. Rajat Patidar might continue as an impact substitute.

Key Match-ups:

• Arshdeep Singh vs RCB openers: Arshdeep has dismissed Phil Salt four times in this format. Kohli, however, has been successful against him.
• Yuzvendra Chahal vs PBKS middle order: Chahal has a good record against Jitesh Sharma and Mayank Agarwal.

Probable XIs:

PBKS:

Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Josh Inglis, Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Harpreet Brar, Kyle Jamieson, Vijaykumar Vyshak/Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh

RCB:

Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar, Mayank Agarawal, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (c), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Nuwan Thushara/Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma