IPL 2025: Predicting Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) strongest XI vs PBKS in Qualifier 1

The IPL 2025 playoffs are all set to begin as Punjab Kings (PBKS) will take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Qualifier 1 in Mullanpur on 29 May. An enthralling battle awaits fans as both these teams finished in the top two spots at the end of the league stage. They have played brilliantly throughout the season and are expected to showcase the same in the playoffs.

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For RCB, both Virat Kohli and Phil Salt are expected to open the innings. Kohli has been fantastic, as he has already smashed 602 runs in 13 games, including eight fifties. He is currently in the fifth spot in the race for the Orange Cap, and hence, fans will expect him to contribute the same way he has been doing so far.

Mayank Agarwal showed his experience in the last game (41* off 23) vs Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), and RCB will need such experience in their middle order. Skipper Rajat Patidar will look to go big, but eyes will be on their star wicketkeeper-batter and stand-in skipper, Jitesh Sharma, who played a blinder of an innings (85* off 33) to win the last game vs LSG. 

Whether he can be consistent or not remains to be seen. Liam Livingstone failed vs LSG, and given Tim David is reportedly not available for the rest of the tournament, he will be considered and expected to come good. Krunal Pandya will be the spin-bowling all-rounder, while Romario Shepherd will be given the finisher role.

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Josh Hazlewood is expected to make a comeback in the playing XI, replacing Nuwan Thushara, who was phenomenal in the last game (2/26 in four overs), which was such a high-scoring one. Despite it being a harsh call, if Hazlewood is good to go, he will be considered ahead of him.

Suyash Sharma is expected to be the impact substitute, and hence, both he and Pandya will be the spin bowling options.       

RCB’s Strongest XI vs PBKS in Qualifier 1

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Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Mayank Agarwal, Rajat Patidar (capt), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Krunal Pandya, Liam Livingstone, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood.

Impact Sub: Suyash Sharma

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