Punjab Kings (PBKS) will take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the 71st match of IPL 2025. This is Qualifier 1. The match will start at 7:30 PM IST on Thursday at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Chandigarh. Both teams, importantly, come into this game with a win in their last match.
Mullanpur Hosts Knockout Game for the First Time
Interestingly, this is the first time Mullanpur will host a playoff match in the IPL. Punjab will play at home, which gives them a slight edge. Meanwhile, fans will keep their eyes on RCB’s Virat Kohli. He has once again crossed 600 runs in a season with ease.
Iyer-Ponting Pair Working Well for Punjab
For Punjab, the reunion of Shreyas Iyer and Ricky Ponting has worked out well so far. Earlier, they couldn't win the title together with Delhi Capitals in 2020. However, they now have a chance to do it with Punjab Kings.
Notably, Iyer has led the team with confidence. In addition, Ponting focused on building a strong Indian group. He brought in Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, and several uncapped talents. These players have delivered with both bat and ball.
RCB Face Team Balance Issues
On the other hand, RCB face a few challenges. They will miss Tim David, which is a big setback. However, the return of Josh Hazlewood is a big boost for their bowling.
Still, RCB must make some key decisions. Will they continue with Rajat Patidar as an impact player? Their bowling lineup has struggled recently. Nuwan Thushara bowled well in the last match. If Hazlewood plays, they might have to drop someone.
Moreover, Liam Livingstone is out of form. If they leave him out, they must pick between Manoj Bhadage and Swastik Chikara. Also, Patidar has not performed well lately, and Yash Dayal hasn’t impressed either.
Punjab Have the Upper Hand, But RCB Remain Dangerous
Looking at form, Punjab Kings appear stronger. But, RCB are coming off one of the most thrilling run-chases of the season. As the original article puts it, “Seldom do knockouts depend upon quality, logic, talent on paper and form.”
Therefore, despite Punjab being favourites, the outcome is hard to predict.
Team Changes Expected for Both Sides
Both teams will likely make changes. Some are forced due to player exits, while others are tactical.
For Punjab, Marco Jansen has left the squad. But the good news is that Yuzvendra Chahal is fit again and ready to return.
Meanwhile, RCB have a tough choice. Thushara performed well in their last match. But with Hazlewood back, they need to decide who plays. This decision could impact their bowling strength.
Pitch Report
The pitch at Mullanpur favours batters and pace bowlers. On average, teams score about 170 runs when batting first. Out of nine matches played here, only three teams have scored over 200.
Since dew plays a role in the second innings, teams winning the toss will likely choose to bowl first.
Weather Report
According to AccuWeather, the temperature will be around 35°C at the start of the match. It will drop to 28°C by the end. Humidity levels will range between 38% and 51%. Most importantly, the sky will stay clear and there is almost no chance of rain.
Probable Playing XI's
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB): Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Mayank Agarwal, Rajat Patidar, Liam Livingstone / Tim Seifert / Tim David, Jitesh Sharma (C/wk), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood / Nuwan Thushara
Impact Sub: Suyash Sharma
Punjab Kings (PBKS): Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Josh Inglis (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Harpreet Brar, Kyle Jamieson, Arshdeep Singh
Impact Sub: Vyshak Vijaykumar / Yuzvendra Chahal