New Chandigarh, May 29 – The IPL 2025 playoffs will see two in-form sides clash as Shreyas Iyer’s resurgent Punjab Kings host Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Qualifier 1 on Thursday, with both franchises aiming to inch closer to a long-awaited title triumph.
With a top-two finish in the league stage secured, both teams enter the contest with the assurance of a second opportunity should they falter. However, that cushion is unlikely to dampen their intensity in what promises to be a fiercely contested opening play-off fixture.
Punjab Kings, making their first appearance in the playoffs since 2014, appear revitalized under the strategic leadership of captain Shreyas Iyer and head coach Ricky Ponting. The duo has ushered in a culture of consistency and tactical clarity—two traits the franchise had sorely lacked in previous campaigns.
In contrast, RCB is all too familiar with the heartbreak of knockout-stage exits and are again chasing their elusive maiden IPL title. Despite recent momentum, the side remains conscious that “the job is only half done,” a sentiment echoed within their camp.
Punjab’s Turnaround Story
The Kings’ transformation has been powered by a balanced and cohesive playing group. Openers Prabhsimran Singh and the emerging Priyansh Arya have laid strong foundations, allowing middle-order anchors like Iyer and wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis to consolidate. Shashank Singh’s evolution into a reliable finisher has added further depth, while Marcus Stoinis has found his groove at the right time, bolstering the side’s power-hitting arsenal.
However, the absence of South African pacer Marco Jansen—who has returned for national duty—has left a void in Punjab’s bowling unit. Jansen’s dual role in the powerplay and at the death was instrumental. In his absence, Kyle Jamieson, who made his franchise debut recently, will be expected to shoulder greater responsibility. Afghan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai may also feature in a reshuffled bowling combination.
Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal is set to return after missing two matches due to a finger injury, likely pairing with the economical Harpreet Brar to control the middle overs. Meanwhile, left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh remains the side’s spearhead, delivering consistently across all phases.
RCB’s Steady Climb
RCB, who had to manage injuries in the lead-up to the playoffs, received a boost with reports that Josh Hazlewood and all-rounder Tim David are available for selection. Their return adds experience and balance to the playing XI.
The Bengaluru outfit, historically criticized for over-reliance on its top order, has witnessed a welcome shift this season. Wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma has emerged as a dependable middle-order option, delivering a career-best performance just days ago. His form, alongside Phil Salt’s explosiveness in the powerplay and Virat Kohli’s imperious touch—marked by a string of effortless half-centuries—makes RCB a formidable batting unit.
RCB will also draw confidence from their earlier victory over Punjab at the same venue. However, the surface at the New Chandigarh stadium has been inconsistent. In four games played this season, the 200-run mark has been breached just once in the first innings. That said, Punjab Kings will take heart from their spirited defense of a modest 111-run total against KKR at this ground earlier in the tournament.
All to Play For
With a place in the final within reach, both teams will view Thursday’s contest not just as a battle for supremacy, but as a crucial step towards ending their respective title droughts. The stakes are high, the narratives compelling, and both sides are equipped with match-winners capable of shaping the outcome.
Squads:
Punjab Kings: Nehal Wadhera, Harnoor Singh, Shreyas Iyer (c), Musheer Khan, Pyla Avinash, Prabhsimran Singh, Vishnu Vinod, Josh Inglis, Marcus Stoinis, Praveen Dubey, Priyansh Arya, Azmatullah Omarzai, Aaron Hardie, Harpreet Brar, Suryansh Shedge, Shashank Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Xavier Bartlett, Kuldeep Sen, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Yash Thakur, Mitchell Owen, Kyle Jamieson.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar (c), Swastik Chikara, Jitesh Sharma, Philip Salt, Manoj Bhandage, Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Liam Livingstone, Romario Shepherd, Jacob Bethell, Swapnil Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Nuwan Thushara, Yash Dayal, Rasikh Dar Salam, Suyash Sharma, Mohit Rathee, Abhinandan Singh, Mayank Agarwal, Blessing Muzarabani, Tim Seifert.
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