May 29, 2025 - IPL 2025 has now reached its final stage. After the league matches, the first qualifier will be played between Punjab Kings  (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the PCA New Chandigarh Cricket Stadium. The winning team will go straight to the final, while the losing team will get one more chance.

Talking about IPL history, there have been 35 matches between these two teams so far. Punjab has won 18 times, and Bangalore has won 17 times. This shows how close the competition has always been. Because of this, sports fans are calling this qualifier the most exciting match of the season.

Iyer’s Captaincy Brings New Energy

Shreyas Iyer is doing a great job as captain. Coach Ricky Ponting has also helped the team play with new energy and ideas. Young players like Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya are giving a fast start at the top. In the middle order, Josh Inglis, Iyer and Shashank Singh are playing well and scoring runs regularly.

All-Rounders Are Helping the Team

Players like Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai and Hardy are helping both in batting and bowling. But the team’s bowling looks a little weak. Without Marco Jansen, it will be hard to put pressure in the powerplay overs. Now, bowlers like Kyle Jamieson, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, and Harpreet Brar will have more work to do.

RCB Has Strong Experience

RCB is depending on the great form of Virat Kohli. Players like Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma and Rajat Patidar are playing well in the middle order. Jitesh played a very good innings in the last match, and he can be the key player for the team.

About Hazlewood's Injury

Josh Hazlewood has come back into the team, and his partnership with Bhuvneshwar Kumar can be very important. Players like Krunal Pandya and Nuwan Thushara have also made the team stronger. RCB had injury problems before, but now the team is fit and ready to give their best in this big match.

Possible Playing XI for PBKS vs RCB

RCB:

Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar, Mayank Agarwal, Tim David, Jitesh Sharma (captain), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood

PBKS:

Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Josh Inglis, Shreyas Iyer (captain), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Harpreet Brar, Kyle Jamieson, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh