IPL 2025: Predicting Punjab Kings’ (PBKS) strongest XI vs RCB in Qualifier 1

The stage is set as Punjab Kings (PBKS) will lock horns with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 on 29 May in Mullanpur. The winning team of this clash will ensure a Final berth, but the losing team will then play the Qualifier 2, where they will take on the winner from the eliminator clash. 

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However, PBKS will be without the services of their star South Africa all-rounder, Marco Jansen, as he has left the tournament to join the South Africa squad for their upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 Final against Australia, scheduled to take place from 11 to 15 June at Lord’s, England.

But, considering the available players, PBKS might still come up with a strong playing XI against RCB. They will be sticking with their successful opening pair of Priyansh Arya (424 in 14 games) and Prabhsimran Singh (499 in 14 games). 

The Aussie wicketkeeper-batter, Josh Inglis, won the Player of the Match award in their last game vs Mumbai Indians (MI), and he is expected to come good once again if given to bat at number three. Followed by him, skipper Shreyas Iyer will be there, as he has already scored 514 runs in 14 games.

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Then, throughout the tournament, both Nehal Wadhera and Shashank Singh have been phenomenal with their cameos in adverse situations. Marcus Stoinis and Azmatullah Omarzai will play the finisher role. 

Against MI, Stoinis did not get an opportunity to bat, but in the Delhi Capitals (DC) clash, he smashed an unbeaten 44 off 16 and showed his power-hitting skills at a strike rate of 275.00. Harpreet Brar will be the spinner, while the two pacers will be Kyle Jamieson and Arshdeep Singh. 

Yuzvendra Chahal is expected to be the impact substitute; he has already taken 14 wickets in 12 games. However, he suffered a finger injury, but still, he is expected to be fit enough to play in the playoffs. 

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PBKS’ Strongest XI vs RCB in Qualifier 1

Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Josh Inglis (wk), Shreyas Iyer (capt), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Kyle Jamieson, Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep Singh.

Impact Sub: Yuzvendra Chahal.

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