IPL 2025 Qualifier 1: PBKS vs RCB – A Trophy-Hungry Duel Set for a Grand Showdown

Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Clash of the Trophy-less Titans

The 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League has thrown up a dream contest in the first qualifier — a showdown between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), two iconic franchises still in pursuit of their maiden IPL title. Set against the backdrop of heartbreaks, close calls, and years of underachievement, this match promises to be a battle loaded with emotion, intensity, and high stakes.

PBKS and RCB aren’t strangers to the IPL finals, but neither has lifted the coveted trophy. PBKS came close in 2014, while RCB were runners-up in 2009, 2011, and 2016. Now, in 2025, both sides have redefined their identity and are playing some of their most cohesive cricket in recent memory.

A Season of Redemption for PBKS and RCB

Punjab Kings’ Strategic Overhaul Pays Off

For PBKS, the 2025 campaign marks a bold transformation. A franchise long mired in mediocrity since their 2014 high point, PBKS have turned things around under the inspiring leadership of Shreyas Iyer and head coach Ricky Ponting. The duo has instilled self-belief, tactical discipline, and a new identity in the side.

Their league-stage triumph over five-time champions Mumbai Indians in the final game secured their top-two finish, showcasing the fearless brand of cricket PBKS have committed to. Notable performances from emerging stars like Prabhsimran Singh, Marcus Stoinis, and Nehal Wadhera have complemented Iyer’s composed aggression and leadership from the front.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Consistency with Composure

RCB’s journey in 2025 has been one of maturity. Known for their flash and flair in previous years, RCB have approached this season with newfound clarity. Despite not being a top-two side often in the past, their consistency in playoff qualifications since 2020 has laid the groundwork for this year’s push.

With Virat Kohli leading from the front and performances like Jitesh Sharma’s blistering 85* against Lucknow Super Giants, RCB head into the qualifier with tremendous momentum. Their successful chase in Lucknow was a masterclass in controlled aggression, showing just how evolved this team has become.

Venue & Match Details

• Fixture: Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, IPL 2025 Qualifier 1

• Date & Time: May 29, 2025, 7:30 PM IST

• Venue: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, Chandigarh

• Pitch Insight: The average first-innings score this year is 173, with teams defending totals successfully in three out of four games. Expect a hot evening and a slight edge for teams batting first.

Head-to-Head & Season Battles

• Overall H2H: PBKS 18 – RCB 17

• 2025 Encounters: One win each

• Venue Note: The last face-off at Mullanpur saw RCB dominate — a win that contributed to their flawless away record. However, they will miss Devdutt Padikkal, their top performer in that match.

Read our detailed IPL 2025 team form guide for more

Team Watch & Tactical Battles

Punjab Kings

• Unavailable: Marco Jansen has returned to South Africa for WTC final preparations. Azmatullah Omarzai is likely to replace him.

• Tactics: Arshdeep Singh’s matchup with RCB’s top order is crucial. While he has dominated Phil Salt, Virat Kohli has had the upper hand against the left-arm pacer.

• Yuzvendra Chahal Conundrum: Despite a subpar season, Chahal could be a strategic inclusion. His historical success against Jitesh Sharma and Mayank Agarwal makes him a potential X-factor.

Probable XI:
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

Royal Challengers Bengaluru

• Injury Watch: Josh Hazlewood is likely to return after recovering from a minor niggle. Tim David is expected to miss the match due to a hamstring issue.

• Bowling Dynamics: Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s PowerPlay stats are among the best this season. His early overs could be pivotal, especially against Iyer and Prabhsimran.

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

Key Player Stats & Records

Kohli, Iyer & The PowerPlay Tug-of-War

• Virat Kohli in Chases (2025): 342 runs in 6 innings | Avg: 114 | SR: 144.30

• Kohli vs PBKS (Career): 1104 runs | Avg: 39.42 | SR: 133.49 | 1 century, 5 fifties

• Shreyas Iyer (2025): SR in PP: 148.38 | Middle Overs: 164.57 | Death: 216.12

• PBKS PP Run Rate: 10.02 (2nd highest)

• RCB PP Economy: 8.79 (Best this season) | Dot Ball %: 43.5%

These stats hint at a potentially decisive PowerPlay battle. PBKS’ aggressive approach could face a stern test against RCB’s sharp new-ball attack.

This qualifier isn’t just a cricket match — it’s a redemption arc. Both PBKS and RCB have endured years of heartbreak, and 2025 offers a real shot at rewriting their narratives. Expect nerves, drama, and fireworks as two evenly matched sides vie to take a big step toward their long-awaited IPL title.

For full stats and match details, visit the official IPL website.