PBKS vs RCB Dream11 Team Prediction, Match Preview, Fantasy Cricket Hints: Captain, Probable Playing 11s, Team News; Injury Updates For PBKS vs RCB IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 in Mullanpur 730pm May 29

Punjab Kings will got up against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Qualifier 1 Playoff match of IPL 2025 season at the New PCA Stadium in Mullanpur on Thursday. For Punjab Kings, this marks a rare playoff appearance — their first since 2014. But under the leadership of skipper Shreyas Iyer and head coach Ricky Ponting, they’ve shed the weight of past failures and embraced a fresh, fearless brand of cricket.

RCB, in contrast, are no strangers to knockout heartbreaks. Once again, they find themselves chasing that elusive first title, fully aware that, in their own words, the job is only half done.

The Iyer-Ponting combination has brought a dramatic transformation to Punjab’s campaign, finally solving the consistency puzzle that has eluded them for over a decade. The team is now a cohesive unit with every player knowing their role.

The opening pair of Prabhsimran Singh and young sensation Priyansh Arya have laid solid foundations, enabling Iyer and Josh Inglis to capitalize in the middle overs. Shashank Singh has evolved into a reliable finisher, while Marcus Stoinis, rediscovering his power-hitting form, adds further depth to the batting line-up.

However, concerns remain in the bowling department following the departure of Marco Jansen, who returned home for national duty. Jansen’s contributions during the powerplay and death overs were critical, and his absence will be felt on Thursday.

RCB, too, have had injury setbacks, but the situation has improved. Josh Hazlewood is expected to be match-fit, while Tim David’s availability offers more options and balance.

Long criticized for being overly reliant on their top order, RCB now appear more well-rounded. Jitesh Sharma’s recent career-best knock has injected confidence into the middle order. At the top, Phil Salt’s explosiveness in the powerplay will be key, and Virat Kohli remains in imperious form, notching up fifties with remarkable consistency.

RCB will also take heart from their league-stage win over Punjab Kings at this very venue. However, the surface has proven tricky, with only one first-innings total crossing 200 in four games here.

 

Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 Match Details

Venue: New PCA Stadium, Mullanpur

Date & Time: May 29, 730pm IST onwards

Live Streaming and TV details: Star Sports Network and JioHotstar website and app.

PBKS vs RCB IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 Match Dream11 Prediction

Wicketkeepers: Phil Salt, Josh Inglish, Prabhsimran Singh

Batters: Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Priyansh Arya, Shashank Singh

All-rounder: Krunal Pandya

Bowlers: Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh

Captain: Virat Kohli

Vice-captain: Josh Inglis

PBKS vs RCB IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 Match Predicted 12

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

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Mayank Agarwal, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Krunal Pandya, Liam Livingstone, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma

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