May 29, 2025: In a battle of equals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) are set to face off in the IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 at New Chandigarh — both eyeing their first-ever IPL title.
While RCB boasts regular playoff appearances, PBKS is making a return to the knockout stage for the first time since 2014. Interestingly, both franchises last reached an IPL final nearly a decade ago, only to fall short.
This time around, both teams come with fresh faces and renewed strategies. PBKS has thrived on the rise of uncapped Indian stars, while RCB has toned down its “superstar-only” image, opting for a more balanced squad.
In terms of fitness updates, RCB will welcome back Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood, but will likely miss Tim David due to a hamstring injury. On the PBKS front, Marco Jansen has returned to South Africa for the WTC Final, with Azmatullah Omarzai expected to slot back in.
All Eyes On: Kohli vs Iyer
Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer are leading the run charts for their teams and remain the biggest match influencers. Kohli, with 608 runs at a strike rate of 147.91, was unbeaten for 73 when these teams last met at this venue. Iyer, meanwhile, has 514 runs at 171.90, but will need to overcome a poor record at this ground and against RCB bowlers.
Key Matchups:
- Hazlewood vs Iyer: 3 dismissals in 19 balls, only 9 runs conceded.
- Arshdeep vs Salt: 4 dismissals in 32 balls.
- Chahal vs Mayank Agarwal: 6 dismissals, Mayank averages just 12.
- Bhuvneshwar vs Iyer: 3 wickets for 45 in 50 balls.
With no rain forecast and a tricky pitch history (ranging from 200+ chases to collapses under 100), Thursday’s clash could go either way. Thankfully, the loser gets a second chance in Qualifier 2 — but no one wants to take the longer road to the final.