The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are set to face off against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in match 34 of the IPL 2025 season this Friday at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Interestingly, while RCB have looked solid on the road this season, they are yet to win a game at their home ground. Known traditionally as a batter’s paradise, the Chinnaswamy track has surprisingly offered something for the bowlers in the two matches played here so far.
RCB head into this clash with momentum on their side, having registered a dominant win over the Rajasthan Royals. Their top-order trio—Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, and Devdutt Padikkal—fired collectively to help secure two vital points. PBKS, too, are riding high after a nail-biting win over Kolkata Knight Riders, where former RCB leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal bagged four key wickets.
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Statistically, both sides are evenly matched. Out of 33 encounters, PBKS narrowly lead with 17 wins to RCB’s 16. However, RCB hold a slight edge at Chinnaswamy with 7 wins in 12 games against PBKS. In terms of the points table, RCB currently sit third with four wins from six matches, while PBKS are just a step behind in fourth, also with four victories and two losses. It promises to be a thrilling contest.
#1 Jitesh Sharma vs Yuzvendra Chahal
Yuzvendra Chahal, fresh off a match-winning four-wicket haul, will again be Punjab’s trump card. However, Jitesh, known for his aggressive intent during the middle phase, will disrupt Chahal’s rhythm. Historically, though, the contest has tilted in Chahal’s favour—Jitesh has fallen to him twice, managing just 39 runs at a strike rate of 130 in IPL matchups
#2 Prabhsimran Singh vs Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Prabhsimran Singh’s aggressive powerplay approach will be tested against Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s swing mastery. While the PBKS opener has struck at 166.7 and scored 35 runs off Bhuvneshwar in past IPL clashes, the seasoned pacer has removed him twice in five meetings. This battle could set the tone early in what promises to be a high-stakes encounter.
#3 Shreyas Iyer vs Josh Hazlewood
Shreyas Iyer, Punjab’s leading run-scorer this season, has looked composed and clinical. Hazlewood, RCB’s pace spearhead, has had the better of Iyer historically, dismissing him twice and conceding just three runs in 12 balls. If this trend continues, Hazlewood might again play a pivotal role in tilting the scales Bengaluru’s way.
