PBKS vs RCB Qualifier 1, IPL 2025: As the sun sets over the brand-new Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, an old narrative in a new venue finds its heartbeat again. The IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 brings together Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru – two sides bound by years of unfulfilled dreams, a shared yearning for glory, and passionate fanbases that have weathered every high and heartbreak.
But this season, there’s more than just familiar hope. There’s substance, identity, and crucially, momentum.
Old Names, New Fire
The last time Punjab made it this far was 11 seasons ago, as Kings XI Punjab in 2014, only to fall at the final hurdle to KKR. RCB, infamously bridesmaids three times in 2009, 2011, and 2016, are no strangers to the big stage either, but that elusive IPL trophy continues to taunt them.
2025 has rewritten a lot of narratives.
PBKS, under the astute leadership of Shreyas Iyer and coach Ricky Ponting, have shed their tag of inconsistency. From smart recruitment to sharp tactical shifts, they’ve emerged as one of the most balanced and fearless sides this season.
RCB, on the other hand, have found poise where chaos once reigned. Known for over-reliance on a few stars in the past, this year’s squad oozes depth and clarity. Even without silverware yet, their top-two finish signals a shift in approach and mindset.
Qualifier 1: PBKS vs RCB Match Preview
When: Thursday, May 29, 2025 — 7:30 PM IST
Where: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, Chandigarh
Live Streaming: JioCinema (Free in India), Star Sports Network (TV)
International Streaming: Willow TV (USA), Sky Sports (UK), YuppTV (Other regions)
Pitch and Conditions:
Expect a hot evening with the pitch offering decent bounce. Teams batting first have had the edge here — with an average first innings score of 173 this season. Three of four matches have been won by the side setting a target.
PBKS vs RCB Head-to-Head Record
- Matches Played: 35
- PBKS Wins: 18
- RCB Wins: 17
This season, the tally is level at 1-1. Interestingly, RCB won the last encounter at this very venue — part of their flawless away run (7 out of 7 wins), but they’ll be without Devdutt Padikkal, the hero of that game.
PBKS vs RCB Team Updates & Tactics
Punjab Kings
- Unavailable: Marco Jansen (preparing for WTC Final)
- Likely Replacement: Azmatullah Omarzai
PBKS vs RCB Match-ups to Watch:
- Arshdeep Singh vs Phil Salt: Arshdeep has dismissed Salt 4 times in 34 balls, conceding just 25 runs.
- Kohli vs Arshdeep: Advantage Kohli – 93 off 51 balls in T20s.
- Yuzvendra Chahal vs Jitesh & Mayank: Chahal has dismissed Jitesh four times and Mayank seven times in T20s.
Probable XI:
Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Josh Inglis, Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Harpreet Brar, Kyle Jamieson, Arshdeep Singh / Yuzvendra Chahal
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
- Injury Concerns:
- Josh Hazlewood is likely to return.
- Tim David remains doubtful with a hamstring injury.
Key Tactics:
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar:
- Has dismissed Prabhsimran four times.
- Also holds a strong record against Shreyas Iyer (3 dismissals in 50 balls, only 45 runs conceded).
- PowerPlay economy among the best this season (dot ball % 50.6%).
- Hazlewood vs Shreyas: Has dismissed Iyer three times in 19 balls.
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
PBKS vs RCB Players to Watch
Virat Kohli
- In Chases (2025): 342 runs in 6 innings, average 114, strike rate 144.30
- Vs PBKS (Overall): 1104 runs in 34 innings, including 1 century and 5 fifties
Shreyas Iyer
- PowerPlay strike rate: 148.38
- Middle overs (7–15): 164.57
- Death overs (16–20): 216.12
- But two single-digit scores against RCB this season
PBKS vs RCB Stats that Matter
- PBKS in PowerPlay:
- 2nd best scoring rate: 10.02
- RCB Bowling in PowerPlay:
- Best economy rate: 8.79
- Most dot balls: 43.5%
- Only 28 sixes conceded (2nd fewest)
Where to Watch RCB vs PBKS Live?
India:
- TV Broadcast: Star Sports Network (Select HD/SD channels)
- Live Streaming: JioCinema (Free in multiple languages)
USA:
- TV Broadcast: Willow TV
- Live Streaming: ESPN+ / Sling TV
UK:
- TV Broadcast: Sky Sports Cricket
- Streaming: Sky Go app
Australia:
- Broadcast: Fox Cricket
- Streaming: Kayo Sports
South Africa:
- Broadcast: SuperSport Cricket
- Streaming: SuperSport App
Qualifier 1 is more than a stepping stone to the IPL 2025 final – it’s a statement game. For PBKS and RCB, it’s a chance to change the perception of perennial underachievers. The stakes are high, but so is the hunger. On a night that promises pressure, passion, and perhaps redemption, one team will inch closer to shedding the weight of history.
Will Kohli’s calm carry RCB across the line or will Iyer’s fire script a new Punjab chapter? Either way, Indian Premier League fans are in for a cracking contest under the Chandigarh lights.
