IPL 2025: Predicting PBKS’ playing XI for their clash against RCB

Punjab Kings (PBKS) will host the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the 37th match of the ongoing Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025). The game will be played at the Maharaja Yadvendra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh, on Sunday, April 20, at 3:30 PM (IST). It will be a crucial game for Punjab Kings to strengthen their position among the top four teams in the tournament standings.

Punjab Kings have been on a roller coaster in the tournament, with two defeats and a few close wins in their six games. They also defeated the defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders, in a low-scoring thriller by a narrow 16-run margin. A win in this game will help them move up a spot in the tournament’s points tally. 

With that said, here we’ll look at the predicted playing XI of the Punjab Kings for their upcoming clash against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. 

Openers  

The PBKS management might go ahead with the same opening pair of Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh. The duo has been in a decent run of form so far, while starting the innings for their side in the tournament’s current season. In the game against KKR, they stitched a blistering opening partnership of 39 runs in just 3.2 overs. 

Prabhsimran Singh scored 30 runs off just 15 balls, with two fours and three sixes, alongside the young Southpaw Priyansh Arya’s 22 runs off just 12 balls, with three fours and a six. So, PBKS are expected to field the same opening duo in the next game against RCB. 

Middle-Order   

Punjab Kings’ middle-order is expected to start with the star number three batter and skipper Shreyas Iyer, who has been in a brilliant run of form in the current season so far. He is currently the leading run-scorer for his side in IPL 2025, scoring 250 runs in six innings, with two unbeaten appearances and an average of 62.50, hitting three half-centuries. 

Iyer will be followed by the Aussie wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis at number four to provide a strength to the batting attack. Later at numbers five and six, Nehal Wadhera and Shashank Singh were there to add some match-winning runs in the death overs. 

All-Rounder  

The think tank might opt to give the veteran Aussie all-rounder Glenn Maxwell another chance in the playing XI while playing against RCB in the next game. He has failed to live up to expectations with his batting performances, but he has left a good impact with the ball. 

So, considering the importance of an extra spinner at the surface of MYSIC Stadium in New Chandigarh, he might make it to the playing XI. Maxwell also bowled a short but most economical over in the game against KKR, scalping a wicket at just 5 runs in his 2 overs. 

Bowlers  

Having an extra spinner in Glenn Maxwell, the PBKS might include three out-and-out pacers in their bowling attack. The trio could be Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, and Arshdeep Singh. Marco Jansen scalped 3 wickets at just 17 wickets in 3.1 overs, playing a decisive role in Punjab Kings’ win against KKR. Besides him, Bartlett and Arshdeep also claimed a wicket each.

Apart from that, the trio will be accompanied by the star in-form leg spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who completely outplayed the KKR’s batting attack. He scalped 4 wickets at just 28 runs in his 4 overs and won the ‘Player of the Match’ award for his sensational performance. 

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

For more exclusive updates, visit BJSports to access Exclusive News that is only for you, incisive analysis, and updates, and to keep up with all of the latest information on your favorite remarkable cricket players and teams. To ensure you never miss out, join in on the fun right away!

anne julliene

See Full Bio