“Kohli vs Iyer Showdown: RCB & PBKS Face-Off for Historic Final Spot!”

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.

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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.