Punjab Kings
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
The IPL 2025 playoffs are heating up, and it all kicks off with a blockbuster Qualifier 1 clash—Punjab Kings (PKBS) face Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) this Thursday at Mullanpur.
With both sides finishing at the top of the league table, the stakes couldn’t be higher: a direct ticket to the June 3 final awaits the winner.
The loser, however, isn’t out of the race just yet—they’ll get another shot in Qualifier 2 against the Eliminator winner in Ahmedabad. Expect fireworks as the road to the IPL 2025 final intensifies.
Both sides have explosive batting depth; the flat Mullanpur pitch adds value.
The betting tip is...
Match Total – Over 400.5 Runs
64 %
36 %
Punjab KingsRoyal Challengers BengaluruPunjab Kings have enjoyed their most consistent IPL campaign since 2014, finishing at the top of the table with nine wins in 14 matches. Their balanced approach and depth across departments have played a key role, and they now stand two wins away from their first-ever IPL title.
The opening duo of Prabhsimran Singh (499 runs) and Priyansh Arya (424 runs) has been crucial, giving Punjab strong starts throughout the season. Shreyas Iyer has anchored the middle order brilliantly, scoring 514 runs at a strike rate of 172, providing stability when needed. Nehal Wadhera has chipped in with impactful cameos, striking at over 150 in pressure situations.
Marcus Stoinis has been vital in the finishing role, while Josh Inglis has offered flexibility at No. 3 or 4, including a game-changing 73 off 42 balls against Mumbai. Shashank Singh has quietly played the role of a closer, handling crunch moments with composure.
On the bowling front, Arshdeep Singh has been their standout performer, picking up 18 wickets at an economy rate under 9. However, the absence of Marco Jansen is a blow. Kyle Jamieson, who has struggled for control, will now need to shoulder more responsibility as Punjab aim for a historic finish.
Yuzvendra Chahal is still doubtful as he is suffering from an injury.
Predicted Lineup: Priyansh Arya, Josh Inglis (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Aaron Hardie/ Azmatullah Omarzai, Harpreet Brar, Kyle Jamieson, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh Impact Player: Prabhsimran Singh
RCB head into Qualifier 1 with serious momentum, having pulled off a record-breaking chase of 228 against LSG in their final group game. That emphatic win sealed a top-two finish and gives them a valuable second chance should things not go their way in the first outing.
Virat Kohli has been the cornerstone of their campaign, piling up 602 runs at an average of 60.20 with eight fifties. He’s been consistent, composed, and remains the anchor of the batting unit. Phil Salt has provided brisk starts, while Rajat Patidar, despite recent fitness concerns, has added 271 runs at a strike rate of 140, often in clutch moments.
RCB’s middle-order has seen timely contributions from Mayank Agarwal and Jitesh Sharma—Jitesh’s unbeaten 85 off 33 against LSG was a standout. Romario Shepherd and Tim David offer finishing firepower, with David expected to return just in time from injury.
On the bowling front, Josh Hazlewood has been their most reliable threat, taking 18 wickets in 10 games. He’ll be supported by the experienced Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Krunal Pandya.
The form of Yash Dayal and Suyash Sharma remains a concern heading into high-pressure games.
Predicted Lineup: Philip Salt, Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarawal, Tim David, Jitesh Sharma (c & wk), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma Impact Player: Rajat Patidar
RCB’s batting firepower, led by the in-form Virat Kohli and bolstered by Jitesh Sharma’s explosive finish last game, gives them a slight edge in this high-stakes clash.
Punjab’s depth and form can’t be discounted, but with Josh Hazlewood back and Tim David likely to return, RCB look better balanced for the big stage—back them to clinch a close one and book a spot in the final.
