PBKS vs RCB IPL 2025 Match Preview: Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Key Players, Team News

Royal Challengers Bengaluru will face Punjab Kings again in the Indian Premier League on Sunday, in match number 37. Their previous encounter at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium was disappointing for Bengaluru. They managed only 95/9 in a rain-shortened game of 14 overs. Punjab's bowlers dominated early, reducing Bengaluru to 33/5 in just over six overs.

Despite a slight stumble during their chase, Punjab reached the target in 12.1 overs. Former RCB players in Punjab's lineup contributed significantly to their victory. The upcoming match will be held at Mullanpur, where RCB hopes to perform better away from home.

RCB vs PBKS: Team Strategies and Player Performances

Coach Andy Flower's Bengaluru team has been adaptable, using resources wisely based on match situations. Phil Salt has been crucial when performing well, while Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, and Jitesh Sharma have stepped up when needed. This adaptability could be key in another intense battle between these teams.

In their last Mullanpur match, Punjab defended the lowest total in IPL history against KKR on a pitch expected to yield high scores. As they wrap up their Mullanpur leg before moving to Dharamsala, they aim for another strong performance.

PBKS vs RCB: Head-to-Head and Team News

Punjab Kings currently lead the head-to-head record against Royal Challengers Bengaluru with an 18-16 advantage after their last match. In terms of team news, Harpreet Brar played his first game of the season for Punjab in a tactical move against RCB's right-handed batting lineup.

The strategy paid off well, making it likely that Brar will feature again. The Ricky Ponting-led management continues to make smart decisions to strengthen their squad.

PBKS vs RCB: Predicted Playing XIs and Fantasy Picks

The predicted XI for PBKS includes Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Josh Inglis (wk), Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, and Yuzvendra Chahal with Harpreet Brar as an impact substitute.

For RCB, the predicted XI features Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood and Yash Dayal with Suyash Sharma as an impact substitute.