As the IPL 2025 Playoffs begin, all eyes will be on the clash between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Qualifier 1 on May 29 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur. Punjab Kings finished at the top of the table with nine wins in the league stage, riding high on consistency and a strong net run rate.
Their final league game saw them dominate Mumbai Indians, thanks to a classy 73 from Josh Inglis. On the other hand, RCB come into this game with serious momentum after a stunning run-chase against Lucknow Super Giants. Powered by Jitesh Sharma’s unbeaten 85, RCB chased down a record 228, sealing their spot as the second-placed side.
Their head-to-head rivalry has been evenly contested, with RCB narrowly leading 18-17 across 35 meetings.
WATCH – Virat Kohli Joins World Bowling League as Strategic Investor to Boost Global Bowling Sport
The Mullanpur surface promises a balanced contest, offering grip for spinners while still being friendly for stroke play. Dew could influence the second innings, especially under clear skies with temperatures dipping from 34°C to 25°C by evening. Bowlers will have to adapt quickly, especially with gripping conditions changing later in the game.
This high-stakes clash will decide who secures a direct ticket to the IPL 2025 final.
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
Punjab will miss the services of Marco Jansen, Glenn Maxwell, and Lockie Ferguson for the playoffs. Kyle Jamieson and Mitchell Owen have been roped in as replacements, with Jamieson expected to cover Jansen’s all-round role. Despite the setback, PBKS will lean heavily on their reliable Indian core, both with bat and ball. There’s good news on the spin front—Yuzvendra Chahal, who missed the last two league games with a wrist issue, is likely to return and partner Harpreet Brar in the middle overs.
Probable XII: Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Josh Inglis (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Aaron Hardie/ Azmatullah Omarzai, Harpreet Brar, Kyle Jamieson, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
Devdutt Padikkal, Jacob Bethell, and Lungi Ngidi are out of the playoffs, replaced by Mayank Agarwal, Tim Seifert, and Blessing Muzarabani. The bigger concern is Tim David’s fitness, as the big-hitting finisher is still recovering from a hamstring strain. His absence could impact RCB’s lower-middle order, shifting more responsibility onto Liam Livingstone, who hasn’t quite hit peak form this season. However, RCB will be buoyed by Josh Hazlewood’s availability and their flawless away record—seven wins in seven matches—which gives them vital momentum and confidence going into the knockouts.
Probable XII: Philip Salt, Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarawal, Rajat Patidar, Tim David, Jitesh Sharma (c & wk), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma.
Fantasy XI Suggestion 1:
Prabhsimran Singh (vc), Josh Inglis, Phil Salt, Virat Kohli (c), Shreyas Iyer, Priyansh Arya, Mayank Agarwal, Krunal Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harpreet Brar
Fantasy XI Suggestion 2:
Prabhsimran Singh, Josh Inglis (vc), Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (c), Priyansh Arya, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Arshdeep Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal
