IPL 2025: Predicting RCB’s Playing XI for Qualifier 1 against PBKS

After registering a historic 6-wicket win against LSG in the last league match of the tournament, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will face the table toppers, Punjab Kings (PBKS), in the first qualifier of the ongoing IPL 2025. The game will be played at the Maharaja Yadvendra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh on Thursday, May 29, at 7:30. 

RCB are enjoying a brilliant run of form in the tournament. They are coming off three wins and only one defeat in their last five games. RCB finished their league stage at the second spot, with nine wins and four defeats, alongside a no-result game in their 14 games, earning 19 points. 

With that said, here we’ll have a look at the predicted playing XI for the first qualifier against Punjab Kings. 

Openers  

The RCB will go with the same opening pair of Phil Salt and Virat Kohli; the duo stitched a blistering opening partnership of 61 runs in just 5.4 overs. Salt played a quick cameo of 30 runs off just 19 balls, with six balls. He is known for his power-hitting abilities to provide a quick opening start. 

Besides him, Virat Kohli smashed an amazing half-century, scoring 54 runs off just 30 balls, with 10 fours. So, the RCB will rely on the same opening duo in their playing XI in the first qualifier against the Punjab Kings. 

Middle-order 

RCB’s middle-order will start with the regular skipper Rajat Patidar, who scored 14 runs off 7 balls, with one four and a six. He might also be replaced to bring in Suyash Sharma as an impact player. Following Rajat, Liam Livingstone will be there to bat at number four. 

Later in the middle-order, Mayank Agarwal and the stand-in skipper Jitesh Sharma will be there to bat at numbers five and six. The Agarwal-Jitesh duo stitched an unbeaten and match-winning partnership of 107 runs to help RCB win by 6 wickets. Agarwal scored 41 runs off just 23 balls, with five fours, alongside Jitesh Sharma’s explosive and unbeaten 85 runs off just 33 balls, hitting eight fours and six sixes. Jitesh also won the ‘Player of the Match’ award for his sensational performance against LSG to help RCB finish in top two. 

All-Rounders  

The duo of Romario Shepherd and Krunal Pandya will be selected as the specialist all-rounders in the playing XI. Shepherd scalped a wicket in the last game against LSG, while Pandya could also be a great asset with the ball for RCB in this game. 

Pandya has been one of the leading wicket-takers for RCB in the ongoing 18th edition of the tournament. He has scalped 15 wickets in 13 innings, including an amazing four-wicket haul (4 wickets at 45 runs in an innings). 

Bowlers  

The core bowling attack of Bengaluru might include three out-and-out pacers, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, and Nuwan Thushara. Bhuvneshwar and Thushara claimed a wicket each for their side in the last game against LSG. They might create a big impact with their pace bowling in the powerplay phase of the innings. 

This pace trio will be accompanied by the specialist spinner Suyash Sharma, who might be brought in as an impact player, replacing the injured regular skipper Rajat Patidar or vice versa.

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.

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