PBKS vs RCB Playing 11, IPL 2025: Punjab vs Bengaluru Predicted Lineups, Team News

PBKS vs RCB: Punjab Kings (PBKS) will face Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2025 on May 29 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur.

Under Shreyas Iyer's captaincy, PBKS have made their first playoff appearance since 2014, winning nine out of 14 matches with one no result. They secured a seven-wicket win over Mumbai Indians in their last game.

RCB also won nine games and finished second, just behind PBKS on net run rate. They head into the playoffs after pulling off their highest-ever run chase - 228 - against Lucknow Super Giants.

PBKS vs RCB Team News, Injury Update

Marco Jansen has flown back home to gear up for the World Test Championship final against Australia, which begins on June 11 in London. His absence means Punjab Kings are expected to bring in Azmatullah Omarzai for Qualifier 1.

RCB fans had more reason to cheer following Jitesh Sharma's match-winning performance in Jaipur. During the post-match presentation in Lucknow, he shared an encouraging update: "Josh Hazlewood is fit now. He'll most likely feature in the knockouts." If Hazlewood isn't cleared to play, RCB have the option to field Nuwan Thushara, who impressed with figures of 1 for 26 in four overs against LSG in the final league match.

However, RCB could be missing the services of Tim David, who sustained a suspected hamstring injury in the clash against SRH on May 23. He was unavailable for the subsequent match versus LSG. There is also some uncertainty around Rajat Patidar's role, with the possibility of him continuing as an Impact Player while Jitesh leads the side.

PBKS vs RCB Key Players

Arshdeep Singh could pose a serious challenge to RCB's Phil Salt, having dismissed him four times while conceding just 25 runs in 34 balls. However, Virat Kohli has dominated the left-armer, smashing 93 off 51 deliveries.

PBKS might consider using Yuzvendra Chahal despite a modest season. Chahal has strong matchups against Jitesh Sharma (4 dismissals in 39 balls for 43 runs) and Mayank Agarwal (7 dismissals in 55 balls). In nine games against his former side RCB, he has taken 9 wickets at an economy of 7.77.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar could be key up front. He has dismissed Prabhsimran Singh four times in 46 deliveries and holds a solid record against Shreyas Iyer (3 dismissals for 45 runs in 50 balls). His PowerPlay dot-ball percentage of 50.6 is among the best this season.

PBKS vs RCB Playing 11: Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Predicted Lineups

PBKS predicted XI: Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Josh Inglis, Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Harpreet Brar, Kyle Jamieson, Arshdeep Singh.

Impact Sub: Yuzvendra Chahal

RCB Predicted XI: Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Mayank Agarawal, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (c), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma.

Impact Sub: Rajat Patidar